125 years of serving Hawaii Island’s energy needs
by Amanda Lee | Aug. 27, 2019
This year we proudly commemorate Hawaii Electric Light Company’s 125th anniversary — Dec. 5. We’re marking our 125th birthday by celebrating our customers and communities, remembering our humble beginnings, and continuing our path toward a clean energy future.
Our history dates to Dec. 5, 1894, when Hilo Electric Light Company, Ltd. was formed under a franchise granted by the Legislature of the Republic of Hawaii. In addition to providing electricity to Hilo, the company was allowed to build, maintain and operate a tramway on the streets and roads, make and sell ice, and pulp and mill coffee.
The forerunner of Hawaii Electric Light started modestly with a small ice plant and a 500-light dynamo, or generator, installed on Kinoole Street. This hydroelectric unit used water leased from the Hilo Boarding School’s irrigation ditch to produce ice and power. At the time, 100 percent of the energy generated was from a renewable source.
By 1940, Hilo Electric was serving more than a quarter of the island, and in 1953 it merged with Kona Light & Power. Hawaiian Electric bought the company in 1970, and five years later its name was changed to Hawaii Electric Light.
Today, our customers receive electricity from a diverse mix of resources. We continue to look for ways to better serve and empower customers, improve resilience, and offer more products and services that can best meet your energy needs.
Our communities are at the heart of everything we do. Mahalo for allowing us to serve you for 125 years — and for generations to come.
Celebrate our 125th anniversary
The public is invited to participate in these free events:
Radio Giveaway on KWXX
Aug. 5, to Dec.6. Tune in mornings Monday-Friday to play our trivia game for weekly prizes.
Shipman Plant Tour
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. Tour of retired Shipman Power Plant across from Suisan Fish Market.
125th Birthday Celebration
8 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, downtown Hilo at original Hilo Electric Light office (Kalakaua Street, across Pacific Tsunami Museum). Kalakaua to close from 6:30 a.m.
Hilo Movie Night
5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium parking lot; Drive-in movie starts at 6:30 p.m.; food sold separately from 5 p.m.
Kona Movie Night
6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, Kona Commons (picnic chairs and blankets permitted; no coolers, alcohol or outside food)
