KIUC: Prolonged outages possible as Hurricane Lowell threatens Kauai electrical grid

News admin September 7, 2026 0 Comments

KIUC: Prolonged outages possible as Hurricane Lowell threatens Kauai electrical grid

LIHUE, Kauaʻi (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) has been preparing all week for Hurricane Lowell, with crews finishing last-minute tree trimming in high-risk areas across the island on Saturday.

KIUC officials directed line crews to rest on Sunday ahead of what is expected to be a very busy Monday as the storm approaches.

Prolonged backouts possible

Residents are being warned to prepare for prolonged blackouts if the storm damages the island’s electrical grid.

“We want people to know and anticipate if power does go out, you could be out of power for quite some time,” said Beth Amaro, KIUC member services and communications manager. “It could be probably definitely hours for sure, possibly days. So you do want to be prepared for that.”

What you can do to prepare

Members are encouraged to review their home and business emergency preparedness plans and act accordingly in preparation for the potential impacts of storms and high winds.

Members can prepare for severe weather by following these tips:

Amaro urged residents to remain both ready and patient as the utility navigates unpredictable storm conditions.

“We just don’t know with this one how difficult those conditions will be,” Amaro said. “So being prepared and being patient is the best advice we can give.”