Energy conservation is important, and there is more than one way to achieve that goal.

Hawaiian Electric reports that unusually high prices for oil, which are passed on the customers, has driven consumption of electricity down for the first time in years.

That's good news, and a conservation ethic is one that should take hold on a permanent basis.

But conservation alone won't do it. Hawai'i must continue to press vigorously for alternative sources of energy, for electricity as well as for vehicle fuel.

If you need evidence, consider that even with consumption down, the average residential customer on O'ahu will pay an average 16 percent more this month than the same month a year ago.

That's a direct reflection of the rising price of oil and a clear message that our energy future depends on finding sources of power right here at home.

We will never conserve ourselves out of our dependence on imported oil. The ultimate answer is to find alternative sources of energy, and in Hawai'i, they are abundant.