Council to OK Kaua'i Electric sale

Associated Press

LIHUE, Kaua'i — The Kaua'i County Council is expected to approve a motion supporting the proposed $215 million sale of Kaua'i Electric to the Kaua'i Island Utility Co-op.

The council is expected to take up the issue Wednesday.

Last Thursday, the council's Energy and Public Safety Committee gave preliminary approval to the sale, which is opposed by the administration of Mayor Maryanne Kusaka.

Committee members said they agreed with a July 31 decision by the state Public Utilities Commission giving preliminary approval to the deal.

The council's position could influence the PUC's final ruling, county officials said.

The state agency's approval is required for the co-op to buy the utility from Citizens Communication Corp. of Stamford, Conn.

Two years ago, the PUC rejected a co-op proposal to pay Citizens $275 million for the power company, saying the price was too high.