HECO toys with actual supply and demand

The "demand response" program that Hawaiian Electric Co. proposed to the Public Utilities Commission generated a few sparks last week among some who worried about their electric bills going up.

This is because the program, as an incentive to lower power use by customers, would charge a lower rate for those willing to shift more of their use to off-peak hours. Some have expressed worry that their own bills would go up as a result, especially if they don’t sign up.

HECO officials have given assurances that the program is voluntary and an opportunity to cut costs, not shift them to other customers.

The environmental bottom line is conservation, driving more people to reduce the demand for oil-fired power generation, which is a good outcome. How will the ratepayers’ bottom line fare? Let’s hear more details before issuing any verdict.

It’s a wonder any of us here are happy

Who says money can’t buy happiness?

Well, unfortunately for us working stiffs in Hawaii, that happiness comes at a hefty price — $122,175 yearly per household. That’s the highest in the nation, says to a new study by Nerdwallet.com, which analyzed Americans’ perceptions of "well-being" and factored in the vital role of cost of living. And as we all know, many of our costs here — gas, electricity, housing, for starters — are among the highest in the nation.

Ah well, let’s just keep thinking happy thoughts.