Updated at 10:52 a.m., Thursday, June 7, 2007
O'ahu homeowners can earn $5 credit in A/C program
Associated Press
Oahu homeowners seeking to trim their electric bills may now qualify for a $5 monthly credit under a Hawaiian Electric Co. pilot program.HECO this month began installing devices on residential air conditioners that allows the utility to remotely shut down the cooling units temporarily during system emergencies.
Company spokesman Darren Pai said only homes in Ewa are being offered the program during the initial phase, because of the large number of newer homes with central air conditioning in the area. But the company hopes to expand the volunteer program across the island.
"For the initial phase, when we're rolling this out, we're focused on the Ewa area because this is the area we have the highest concentration of homes that might qualify," he said.
The pilot program is not being offered on other islands.To qualify, homeowners must have a central A/C unit at least 2 1/2 tons in capacity. Homes with split air conditioning systems and window units do not qualify. HECO will install the devices for free, usually in less than an hour.Homeowners will receive the $5 credit whether an emergency shutdown is activated or not.
