KIUC's Rate Case - Kauai Island Utility Cooperative

A Picture’s Worth...
Haaaa Terry! Don’t fall off that ladder.
Terry Caplan, owner of Island Ace Hardware, located at the Princeville
Shopping Center, has always been an innovative retailer. For the past 22
years as owner and operator of Island Ace, Terry’s entrepreneurial spirit
is manifested in the business he has worked so hard to develop. That is
just another reason Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) would like
to commend him on being the first large installation of light emitting
diode (LED) technology lighting on Kaua‘i.
In today’s economic climate, it takes a leap of faith to make an
investment like Terry has made. Although he already had energyefficient
T-8 fluorescent lighting, Terry has taken the need for greater
cost control to the next level, while preserving quality customer service.
Although LED technology is not new, its varied application is only now
being recognized. Improved design, application, long life and acceptability
have brought the cost down. Measured against the high energy cost we
are faced with, the return on investment is more easily justified.
With the added benefit of no heat (reducing air conditioning load)
and longer life (50,000+ hours) this may be the solution for many KIUC members. Remember, if Terry can justify
the savings from his already efficient T-8, just think of the added savings when converting from old T-12 fluorescents.
KIUC’s incentive of 50 percent of the project cost represents the co-op’s commitment and support of new technologies
that are moving into the mainstream.
Congratulations, Terry! We thank you for making this project happen and look forward to hearing what your
customers think of this innovative technology.
If you have a business, large or small, and want to participate in the Commercial Energy Wise Program, call Paul Daniels
at 246.8275.
FAQs ABOUT SURGES AND SURGE PROTECTION
What is a meter-base surge protector?
A meter-base surge protector is a high-energy surge
protection device installed behind the electric meter of
your house. All power coming into your home runs
through the meter-base surge protector, making it the first
stage of protection against surges.
Will the meter-base surge protector protect all
my equipment?
No, not by itself. The meter-base device offers excellent
protection for standard “white appliances” such as
dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators,
freezers and stoves. Surges can enter the home by other
means, such as phone and cable television lines. Small
spikes can occur when various appliances within the
home turn on and off.
Electronic devices connected to phone, fax, cable TV lines
and any other electronic devices with sensitive
microprocessor electronics should be protected with
premium plug-in point-of-use devices purchased through
KIUC. This two-stage approach will provide the greatest
defense and superior protection from both externally and
internally generated surges.
Can I take it with me when I move?
The meter-base surge protector is rented, so you can
request the program for your new residence. There will be
a $40 cost for installation at the new residence and the
monthly charge will apply. Point-of-use protectors are
purchased outright from KIUC, so you can take them to
the new location.
How do I know if the device is still working?
The meter-base device and the point-of-use devices have
indicator lights that let you know they are functioning. If
the light on the meter-base device goes out, call KIUC
immediately at 246.8284. If the indicator light on the
plug-in device goes out, the device should be replaced.
Will these devices stop the surges that cause
my clocks and VCR to blink?
Blinking clocks and VCRs are caused by power
interruptions, not electrical surges. Surge protection
equipment will not reduce or prevent power
interruptions.
JUNE/JULY 2009 7