Lahaina Energy Partnership to host virtual presentation on microgrids, grid hardening

The Lahaina Energy Partnership will hold a virtual community presentation from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on microgrids and strategies to strengthen the electric grid in Lahaina. Residents can register online to participate.

The presentation will cover two topics, according to the partnership. One is microgrids, which are localized energy systems that could support critical facilities, improve reliability and help the community during power outages and emergencies. The other is electric grid hardening, which looks at ways to strengthen electrical infrastructure so the grid can better withstand and recover from future disruptions.

The event follows an earlier October session on energy generation technologies and building energy design strategies. Organizers said the Oct. 20 presentation will include an overview of technical findings, time for questions and discussion, and an update on the partnership’s next steps as it moves toward implementation planning.

The Lahaina Energy Partnership is a community-led collaboration of Lahaina Strong, Hā Sustainability and Shake Energy Collaborative. According to the partnership, residents and local stakeholders have helped identify energy priorities, challenges and opportunities through engagement and co-design activities. Those priorities informed a technical assistance process that is now helping to lay the groundwork for the next phase of implementation planning.

“The technical assistance findings are an important step toward turning community priorities into actionable projects,” Alex de Roode of Hā Sustainability said.

Jordan Ruidas of Lahaina Strong said the presentations give residents a chance to hear the technical analysis and ask questions of the technical team directly. The community should remain part of the conversation as planning moves forward, she added.

The partnership is encouraging community members, local organizations, businesses, agencies and other stakeholders to take part.

For more information or updates, email lahainaenergypartnership@gmail.com.