Big Island Video News

Serving Hawaii County

  • Hawaiʻi Island News Regions
    • Hamakua
      • Mauna Kea
    • Hilo
    • Kau
    • Kona
    • Kohala
    • Puna

Social

lava near PGV, video courtesy Mick Kalber, Paradise Helicopters

Lava Eruption Forces Shut Down Of Puna Geothermal Venture

by Big Island Video News
on May 3, 2018 at 9:27 pm

Subscribe to Big Island Video News (FREE)

* indicates required

STORY SUMMARY

PUNA, Hawaii - Thursday's sudden volcanic eruption in Leilani Estates led to an emergency shutdown of independent power producer Puna Geothermal Venture.

file image of Puna Geothermal Venture

(BIVN) – Puna Geothermal Venture executed an emergency plan and shut down operations following the sudden eruption of lava in Leilani Estates on Thursday. All residents in Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens Subdivisions were required to evacuate.

The Hawai‘i Electric Light Company expects to be able to provide sufficient power, even with geothermal plant shut down.

In a Thursday evening media release, HELCO reported that it has deployed employees to the Leilani Estates area to disconnect power in the areas impacted by the active lava flow.

According to HELCO:

Utility personnel are on scene. Although the areas near Mohala Street are without power due to the lava flow, crews are doing work to reroute power to maintain electric service for the rest of Leilani Estates that is not impacted by the lava. The company expects to have sufficient generation for this evening, despite the emergency shutdown of independent power producer Puna Geothermal Venture. A generation shortfall is not expected.

“We will continue to work closely with Civil Defense to monitor and assess the situation,” said Rhea Lee-Moku, Hawai‘i Electric Light spokeswoman, in the media release. “We strongly encourage the community to be safe and heed the advice of Civil Defense and first responders.”

For customers who are evacuating, the HELCO recommends:

  • Shut off electricity at the main breaker or switch;
  • Unplug or turn off electric equipment and appliances;
  • Call Customer Service at 969-6999 to request a service disconnect or transfer.

HELCO says its free “Handbook for Emergency Preparedness” provides detailed information on preparing your home and ‘ohana for emergency situations. The handbook is available in English, Cantonese, Ilocano, Korean, and Vietnamese and can be found at the company’s business offices, on its website.


Filed Under: Breaking Tagged With: geothermal, HELCO, Kilauea, lava, Leilani Estates, Puna Geothermal Venture

LATEST NEWS

Kaʻū Water System Improvements On Hawaiian Home Lands Break Ground

Kaʻū Water System Improvements On Hawaiian Home Lands Break Ground

VOLCANO WATCH: Deep Pāhala Earthquake Swarm Update

VOLCANO WATCH: Deep Pāhala Earthquake Swarm Update

Waialea Bay Parking To Close For Coral Spawning

Waialea Bay Parking To Close For Coral Spawning

Maunakea Telescopes Help Image Black Hole In Center Of Milky Way

Maunakea Telescopes Help Image Black Hole In Center Of Milky Way

TV Chef Gonzo Jimenez Headlines Big Island Chocolate Festival

TV Chef Gonzo Jimenez Headlines Big Island Chocolate Festival

Federal Report: Boarding Schools And Intergenerational Trauma In Hawaiʻi

Federal Report: Boarding Schools And Intergenerational Trauma In Hawaiʻi

About Big Island Video News

  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Dynamik Website Builder on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in