State OKs electricity sale from Big Island wind farm

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii >> The state Public Utilities Commission has given the green light for the sale of electricity from a 10-megawatt wind farm in the Big Island's North Kohala district.

The commission said this week it has approved a 20-year power purchase agreement between Hawaii Electric Light Co. and Kahua Power Partners, which plans to build the farm on the Big Island's northern tip.

HELCO president Warren Lee said the purchase agreement allows relatively easy financing for the $17 million project and includes performance standards that will ensure the safety and reliability of the wind farm and HELCO's utility grid.

Kahua Ranch general manager Monty Richards said the farm will reduce consumption of oil on the island, continuing Hawaii County's status as a national leader in renewable energy development and use.