HECO recommends lowering electricity use since Oahu rolling outages could

 Hawaiian Electric Co. issued a warning about potential rolling blackouts on Monday night after two sizable generating units at the Waiau Power Plant, pictured above, went offline this afternoon.

Customers are being urged by Hawaiian Electric Co. to use less electricity as rolling outages may occur on Oahu tonight.

HECO announced late this afternoon that it could have to shut off power for 30 minutes on Oahu starting at 5:30 p.m. due to a lack of "reserve generation capacity" following the failure of two power-generating units.

Below is a list of the schedule:

> 5:30 to 6 p.m. Pearl City – Waimalu

> 6 to 6:30 p.m. Majority of Leeward Oahu

> 6:30 to 7 p.m. Kalihi, Keolu, Kohakapu, Kailua, Waimanalo to Kahala

> 7 to 7:30 p.m. Kakaako, Kaimuki, Kahala, Kapahulu and Waikiki

> 7:30 to 8 p.m. Nuuanu and School Street area

> 8 to 8:30 p.m. Hawaii Kai and Waimanalo

It is not anticipated that the two sizable producing units at Waiau Power Plant will be back online by tonight, according to a statement from HECO. Assessments and repairs are being conducted. "In addition, production from solar energy systems has been reduced and battery energy storage systems could not charge to full capacity due to heavy cloud cover and rainy conditions throughout the island."

HECO has requested that companies and residents refrain from using air conditioning, laundry machines, dryers, and dishwashers between the hours of 5 and 9 p.m. and instead conserve electricity during these peak hours. Also urged to practice conservation are large commercial clients.

HECO claims that "load shedding," or methodically disconnecting consumers, will start in several parts of the island if there is not enough electricity to fulfill demand. According to HECO, the purpose of the targeted emergency outages is to prevent widespread blackouts or harm to the electrical system from an imbalance in power supply compared to demand.

Jim Kelly, vice president of government, community relations, and corporate communications at Hawaiian Electric, issued a statement saying, "We apologize for the need to take the extraordinary step of initiating outages and we appreciate the patience of everyone who is affected." We want to notify our customers in advance of any probable generation shortfall so they can make plans for these brief disruptions and contribute to power conservation during a crucial period. When our reserve generation runs out, we are alone on an island and have no one to turn to.