The news is that Maui Electric Co. is looking for “firm” power, such as biofuel, geothermal energy, or hydropower, as opposed to wind and solar energy sources, which are intermittent.

All renewable sources are sought after, of course, but it seems that more consistent sources of energy are all a part of streamlining the business of providing power to Maui. As most of us know, Maui’s isolation makes it a prime location for cultivating affordable alternative energy sources. Also, there are ongoing advancements in the technology needed to harness tidal power safely and unobtrusively. Could there possibly be a better place for consistent tidal power than Maui?

Maui Electric is working to get approval from the Public Utilities Commission to issue an RFP (request for proposal) to generate 50 megawatts of this “firm” power. This amount would provide Maui with a fifth of its total energy needs, which would be incredible progress for the economy and the environment.

Maui Electric’s goal is to get the RFP issued in the next two months, and for the energy to be online by 2015.

For those of you who are interested in South Maui real estate, you may not have known that it happens to be one of the most forward thinking communities on the island in relation to energy conservation,  which is nice, considering how much beautiful oceanfront real estate you’ll find here. Lovely Maui homes combined with renewable energy is a great combination in an increasingly sustainable culture.