HELCO MEDIA RELEASE

A car makes its way down South Point Road with a backdrop of the Pakini Nui Wind Farm. Hawaii 24/7 File Photo

HILO, May 4, 2016 – Hawaii Electric Light reports that customers in various areas of Hawaii Island experienced a power interruption beginning at 11:15 a.m. Most customers, except one, were restored by 12:12 p.m.

An estimated 16,900 customers experienced a power interruption when a transmission line fell near Pahala. At the same time, another transmission line was out of service to allow crews to perform maintenance work. When the transmission line fell, it caused a temporary situation where power being generated by the Pakini Nui Wind Farm was disconnected from the grid. This resulted in insufficient generation to meet customer electricity demand. To protect the island’s power grid, some customers were automatically disconnected. Crews in the area were able to respond quickly to perform emergency circuit switching and restore customers. The cause of the line failure is under investigation.

“Hawaii Electric Light sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience caused by this interruption. We appreciate everyone’s understanding,” said Rhea Lee-Moku, Hawaii Electric Light spokeswoman.

Follow Hawaii Electric Light on Twitter @HIElectricLight for outage information and updates. To report a power outage, please call (808) 969-6666.

By Hawaii 24/7 Staff

UPDATED (1:18 p.m. on 5/4/2016)

HELCO reports that as of 12:20 p.m. the majority of the customers in the Punaluu/Naalehu Mill Road area have had their power restored. Crews are working to restore power to remaining customers.

UPDATED (12:26 p.m. on 5/4/2016)

Hawaii Police reports both lanes now open to traffic. HELCO crews are still on scene so drive cautiously.

UPDATED (12:25 p.m. on 5/4/2016)

HELCO reports all customers between Kaalaiki Road to South Point road have had their power restored.

12:14 p.m. (5/4/16)

Hawaii Electric Light Company (HELCO) reports a downed power line on Mamalahoa Highway south (Route 11) between the 59 and 60 mile markers. The Hilo bound lane closed to traffic. Contraflow on the single Kona bound lane is being utilized. HELCO on scene. Motorists can expect delays.

HELCO has also reported about 820 customers without power from Kaalaiki Road to South Point Road. There are also about 445 customers in the Punaluu to Naalehu Mill Road area without power. Crews are working to restore power.

To report and outage call HELCO at (808) 969-6666