[ OUR OPINION ]

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Consumers have
little choice but to
use less electricity

THE ISSUE Hawaiian Electric Co. is proposing to increase its rates by 7.3 percent.

HAWAIIAN Electric Co. officials correctly anticipated that consumers would be jolted by its rate increase proposal of an astonishing 7.3 percent. That the increase would be the first in almost 10 years is of little consolation, particularly since bills have crept up along with the cost of fuel.

With HECO being the only power player in town, Oahu customers have no alternative but to cut their electricity use and to insist that the Public Utilities Commission set a fair rate hike.

HECO itself is suggesting that residents and businesses reduce consumption. Officials say that without conservation, the company will have to build more power plants to keep up with demand, a far more expensive and environmentally challenging proposition.

HECO likely will build a plant anyway to provide reserves for peak-hours usage, but it is stressing conservation and efficiency as a chief solution to lowering demand.

It can be done. Last month, when humid weather spiked electricity use to record levels, the company asked that customers cut down to maintain the stability of its system. People responded. However, whether consumers will adopt conservation for the long term is problematic. HECO should seek government help in educating residents about the need to use less electricity.

Oahu's residential and commercial growth has put enormous pressure on HECO's ability to produce enough power. Compounding the problem is that development is taking place in some of the hottest areas on the island, where air conditioning is viewed as necessity rather than luxury.

The company says it works with developers to encourage energy-efficient construction, but energy-saving devices like solar-powered water heaters tack on a premium to already high home prices.

The higher rate would see the average household paying about $7.03 more per month should the PUC agree to HECO's full asking price. However, if past experience holds true, the commission likely would approve a lower rate. In 1995, HECO sought a 4.1 percent increase, but the PUC approved only 1.3 percent. In any case, the rate -- either interim or permanent -- won't be set for another year.

In the meantime, consumers should review their electricity habits. Is running the air conditioner 24 hours a day at 70 degrees really necessary? Is the water heater, which is one of the most power-draining home devices, insulated properly, or set at a needlessly high level? Are computers left on for hours without anyone logged on?

While Oahu consumers do not have choices in electricity suppliers, they aren't completely powerless to control their costs. If rates do go up, they can turn off the juice whenever possible.