Dog days of summer sticking around this fall
by Shannon Tangonan | Oct. 16, 2019
The intense heat during summer months may be in the rearview mirror, but I still find myself turning on the air conditioner even as we enter the “cooler” fall months. During my early morning walks with my dog in Ewa Beach, I often hear the hum of window units as I walk past some of the homes in my neighborhood.
And don’t judge me, but we are one of those families that leaves the downstairs air conditioner on for the dog while we’re at work. Before you roll your eyes, it’s set at 86 degrees (believe me, even that setting is much more pleasant than the outside temperature). So far Hunter, part Catahoula Leopard Dog, hasn’t had any complaints.
As expected, our electricity bill did go up over the summer, especially when temperatures seemed unbearable in July. I’m sure other Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawaii Electric Light customers saw their bills increase as well — in part due to appliances from refrigerators to air conditioners working harder to keep temperature.
From May through September, residential use was up on all islands served by the Hawaiian Electric Companies except Hawaii Island, compared to the same months in 2018. The increase in demand was reflected in higher bills, including those for customers with private rooftop solar.
Usage was highest in July, when a number of local temperature records were set. July usage across the five islands we serve was up 12 percent compared to July 2018.
Most of that increase can be attributed to air conditioning. As tradewinds have slackened and temperatures have risen, the percentage of homes with at least one air conditioner has increased.
Electric usage by customers with private rooftop solar was also up significantly. For solar customers who get credits for the excess electricity their systems send to the grid, the increased usage will mean they’re using up their credits faster and generating little excess, potentially resulting in higher bills this fall.
Also, on hot days with high humidity and overcast skies (we’ve seen a lot of those lately), most rooftop solar is producing less electricity, requiring customers to draw more from the grid. Customers should make sure their panels are clean and that inverters and other equipment are working properly. For questions about your rooftop system’s production, check your system’s online portal or contact your contractor.
For tips to stay cool at home and work, go to www.hawaiianelectric.com/cooltips. Find more tips and rebates for energy efficient appliances at hawaiienergy.com.
Bottom line: Everyone must use energy wisely — even dog lovers who run the A/C for their mutts.
Shannon Tangonan is a manager of external corporate communications at Hawaiian Electric Company.
