Carol Bain received a master’s in education from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa in 1985 and is president of Kaua‘i Worldwide Communications, Inc. She has six years experience as a KIUC board member, is a part-time teacher at Kaua‘i
Carol Bain received a master’s in education from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa in 1985 and is president of Kaua‘i Worldwide Communications, Inc. She has six years experience as a KIUC board member, is a part-time teacher at Kaua‘i Community College and has served on nonprofit boards, including Malie Foundation and the local chapter of the League of Women Voters.
What could KIUC do differently to include more members in its decision-making policies?
The first sentence of the second cooperative principle, Democratic Member Control, states: “Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.”
Though it is acknowledged that voting for the board is certainly an “activity,” I believe this principle could be interpreted in a broader manner.
This is the information age, after all. There are many online applications that support interaction including social networking, multi-user participation at meetings, community support during emergencies and providing on-the-ground information in disasters.
During a rate case process, many cooperatives form an “advisory group” made up of representative members of each class of users including residential, commercial, industrial, etc. This group acts as a sounding board when discussing impacts of rate changes. Their comments are also presented to the State Consumer Advocate and PUC as part of the input process. Created and active during the rate case, this group can be influential in understanding and communicating member concerns.
What could you as a KIUC board member do to reduce energy costs, besides promoting energy savings?
As a KIUC board member, it is important for me to research and consider potential solutions that are under review by electric utilities around the nation. Several states are looking at revenue decoupling. “Decoupling” removes the pressures placed on a utility to sell as much energy as possible by eliminating the relationship between revenues and sales volume.
I think this idea is worthy of consideration and as a board member will encourage the application for KIUC.
Right now, with the exception of the Energy Rate Adjustment Charge, KIUC’s revenues are tied to the amount of energy sold. If our public utility commission agrees, KIUC’s revenue could be “decoupled” from sales and instead be allowed fair compensation regardless of sales. Conservation and efficiency measures can be increased as a result, for their success will no longer decrease sales and therefore revenues. Related factors are worth review, but space is limited to discuss.
This potential strategy, along with our current effort toward reducing our dependence upon fossil fuel through diversified renewable resources, will reduce energy costs.
What is the biggest challenge facing Kaua‘i in terms of energy?
Though some disagree on how quickly our island must reduce dependency on costly, imported fossil fuel, there is general consensus by KIUC members, staff and board about this general objective.
Next, our cooperative must build trust with the membership that the path of energy diversity chosen is worthy of support. KIUC researches energy options and costs, but must also share this information in advance of final decision making before any site is selected or “dirt is turned.”
For instance, a small or medium hydro project will go through full environmental impact process, including a cultural study. Unless the majority supports a project, it will be hindered and delayed.
The biggest challenge is to communicate clearly, effectively and in a straightforward manner to show how an energy project is in the best interests of the greater good for Kaua‘i.
Why are you running for the board? What can you bring to the table?
During the past six years, I have developed strengths in bylaw and policy review, and a perspective of tenacity.
For instance, a biomass-to-energy project initiated in 2007 finally bore fruit six years later. I learned it was important to keep positive and encourage forward momentum even if progress was slow as long as a viable solution was feasible.
My experience on this cooperative electric utility board has shown that work done today may not be seen immediately. As with building anything of value, foundation and groundwork is essential first. Though this may take time and guidance, if done properly it will allow a project to be long-standing.
The Hawaiian term “noho papa” means to thrive in one place for generations. I feel I am working for the next generation to be able live better on Kaua‘i.
