Public invited to learn about Wailuku hydroelectric project on Big Island

The public is invited to a meeting this week to learn more about a project that has provided clean, renewable electricity for more than 30 years on the Big Island and plans for its continued operation.

BHE Renewables, a Berkshire Hathaway Energy business, is hosting a discussion from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Hilo Intermediate School about its 10-megawatt Wailuku hydroelectric generation project, also known as Wailuku River Hydroelectric. The meeting will include information about the project’s history and the opportunity, through an extended agreement, to continue using this sustainable resource located at the junction of the Wailuku River and Kalohewahewa Stream in East Hawai‘i.

The public will have the chance to ask questions and comment about the project. The input received will be filed with the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission.

Power generated by the flowing river at the Wailuku hydroelectric facility is transmitted via a 5,100-foot transmission line and interconnected to Hawaiian Electric’s electrical grid. The electric utility purchases the as-available electricity produced by the Wailuku independent power project under a long-term power purchase agreement. Hawaiian Electric representatives will be at the meeting and available to answer questions.

Refreshments will be served. Handicap-accessible parking is available on the north side of the school, which is located at 587 Waiānuenue Ave. in Hilo.

For more information, call 808-935-2180, click here or find the Wailuku hydroelectric project on Facebook.