Just days after pro-geothermal Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi squeaked by former Mayor Harry Kim in the race for Big Island mayor, the island’s utility announced it wants to develop more geothermal projects. 

The timing’s probably coincidental, but Kim was decidedly less gung-ho about further geothermal development on the Big Island and ran on that platform.

Hawaii Electric Light Company (HELCO) on Friday filed a draft request for proposals for geothermal projects with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission.

The utility wants to add up to 50 megawatts of geothermal power “at prices not tied to the cost of oil to help lower electricity costs for customers.” More excerpts from a press release:

The RFP is pursuing geothermal technologies that provide renewable dispatchable energy and firm capacity, which means that the utility would be able to schedule and control output from the geothermal plant. This will also provide firm back up for other renewable resources such as wind or solar to help maintain reliable service for Hawaii Island customers.

Image of Puna Geothermal Venture’s steam and water separation system.