Companies to jointly develop wind farm
SAN DIEGO - Sempra U.S. Gas & Power and BP Wind Energy recently announced plans to jointly develop the Auwahi Wind farm on Maui.
This is the fifth project developed under a strategic partnership between the two companies that includes more than 1,000 megawatts of wind-generating capacity in operation or under construction.
The project on southeastern Maui will utilize eight Siemens wind turbines to generate enough renewable power for about 10,000 average Maui homes.
Initial construction has begun with plans for the farm to be up and running at the end of the year.
Sempra U.S. Gas & Power will continue leading the development of Auwahi Wind and operate the project once construction is complete.
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The Gas Co. part of natural gas project
HONOLULU - A Denver-based engineering and consulting firm has been hired to help with a project to ship liquefied natural gas to Hawaii.
The Gas Co. wants to bring natural gas to Hawaii from producers on the Mainland as a new and cheaper energy alternative.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported that in addition to hiring CH2M HILL, The Gas Co. officials have begun seeking regulatory approval to bring in the first shipment of liquefied natural gas by the end of 2012.
Hawaii is the only state with no power plants fueled by natural gas. High oil costs have been blamed for the main reason for Hawaii's expensive electric rates.
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NLRB dismisses IBEW complaint
HONOLULU - The National Labor Relations Board has dismissed an unfair labor practices charge against Hawaiian Telcom.
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Local 1357 filed the complaint challenging Hawaiian Telcom's Jan. 1 implementation of its last, best and final offer.
The company had said talks with the union reached an impasse. The NLRB determined the parties bargained in good faith to a valid impasse.
The new terms meant union workers would pay five percent of the premiums for their health care coverage in 2012.
