Latest HECO System Crisis Nearly Kills Two; Multiple Problems Question Grid’s Overall Status

Power outages are one thing, but when equipment failure leaves two innocent people in critical condition, questions must be asked about the general condition of Hawaiian Electric Company’s system.

A man was severely burned when a live 12,000 volt power line fell on his parked van yesterday. A would-be rescuer was shocked and hospitalized in critical condition when he tried to open the van’s door.

According to a HECO spokesman, an insulator holding the line in place had a problem – no further information.

We all live beneath a grid of wires charged with electricity. Now that they’re starting to fall off poles, we have reason to be alarmed.

If this were an isolated incident, yesterday’s emergency might not trigger much concern, but as noted here yesterday, HECO’s system reliability is in a nosedive. We’ve had five outages in our neighborhood since November 4.

Seeing the Big Picture

Numerous outages and failing equipment that nearly killed two people are combining to create a bleak picture of HECO’s operations. It would seem reasonable for HECO to do what the military does after numerous incidents of equipment failure. When aircraft are involved, the Air Force grounds its planes and conducts a thorough review.

HECO isn't expected to “ground” its electric system, but we do hope its managers see the bigger picture of a system that gives the appearance of being in disrepair and requiring special attention.