Frequently Asked
Questions

Why Should I Call 811 First?

Always call 811 before you start any digging project! You'll avoid injury, expense, embarrassment - and a very inconvenient loss of electricity, gas, telephone or internet service.

Call 811 at least five (5) business days prior to digging, and your call will be routed to the local One Call Center. Tell the operator where you're planning to dig, what type of work you will be doing and your affected local utilities companies will be notified about your intent to dig. Within five (5) business days, Hawaiʻi Gas and other utilities will send a locator to mark the approximate location of your underground lines, pipes and cables, so you'll know what's below - and be able to dig safely.

For more information on your local One Call Center, or to make an online request for utilities to be marked (where available), click here.

Can I Submit My Request To Have My Utility Lines Marked Online At This Web Site?

No, you must call 811 to request utility line marking. 811 is a free service. To learn more about 811, click here.

How Do I Read My Gas Meter?

SNG or propane dispensed from a shared holder tank is measured monthly by a meter to determine gas consumption. We use two basic types of meters: Digital and Clock-style. Digital meters indicate the amount of gas used. Each month your bill should reflect the difference between last month’s and the current month’s meter reading.
For example:
Current Reading: 00023
Last Reading: 00011
Amount of Gas Used: 12

Clock-style meters utilize multiple dials to measure gas usage. The dials are read by taking the number on the meter that the clock hand has just passed. When the clock hand is pointing between two numbers we always take the smaller number.

The number on the meter is then multiplied by a “Factor” (converts the measurement to therms). The “Factor” is shown on the bill. This will tell us how many therms you used during the billing period. This is then billed to you at the current rate.

Estimated Meter Readings: Sometimes a meter cannot be read due to a locked gate, no one being home, a watch dog, etc. In these cases, we estimate your gas consumption for that billing period. The estimate is based on an average calculated over the previous six-month billing period. If a subsequent adjustment is applied, it will be made on the following month’s bill. To minimize the number of estimated bills you receive, the following options are available:

• Provide us with a key so we can access your meter.
• Remove obstructions that may block our access, such as a security gate or watch dog.
• Ask us about installing an Electronic Receiver/Transmitter (ERT) to read your meter remotely.

How Do I Close An Account/End Gas Service For A Residential Unit?

If you are the account holder or an authorized party on the account and wish to discontinue service, please call our office during normal business hours. We are open Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Excluding holidays).

You may view our office locations and phone numbers here.

Please allow a minimum of two (2) business days to stop service. Please note that we cannot “back date” any disconnect requests and you will be responsible for any gas charges until you contact our office to schedule a time for a Hawaiʻi Gas technician to go on the premises. At that point the technician will take a final reading and lock the gas services. If you are enrolled in automatic bill payment your final bill will be deducted from the bank account you provided. A confirmation number is issued to you at the time your disconnection request is processed by our representatives. You may be required to produce the confirmation numbers in the event of a dispute.

I'm Just A Homeowner, Not A Contractor—Is 811 For Me?

Yes, you should call 811 no matter how small the job. To learn more about 811, click here.

How Do I Know If Hawaiʻi Gas Will Provide Reliable Service?

While 100 percent service reliability cannot be guaranteed, Hawaiʻi Gas has made an unprecedented effort to ensure reliability for our customers. Over the past few years, we have invested in bulk propane storage facilities on all major Hawaiʻian islands giving our company an unmatched 30-days of on-hand supply.

Our Honolulu Pipeline Utility System on Oahu, our business utility network, has not had a supply disruption since December 7, 1941.

How Do I Open An Account/Start Gas Service For A Business?

To open an account under a business name, the new owners need to fill out a new service application that is signed by a verifiable authorized party or agent of the company verified through the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. You may also submit a letter, along with the application, listing the people you would like to be authorized on the account, and to whom we may speak to regarding your services.

A deposit may be required if the business does not already have an established account with us. The deposit can be waived by signing up for our Automatic Bill Payment program, provided that gas service was not previously interrupted and/or disconnected for returned payments.

Once the completed new service application and either the deposit or the application for automatic bill payment is submitted, please call us to schedule activation.

What Is A Gas Supplier?

Hawaiʻi Gas is the only franchised gas utility operating in Hawaiʻi. Today, Hawaiʻi Gas has more than 300 energy professionals ready to serve our customers 24/7. As a gas supplier, we provide gas products and related services to approximately 70,000 residential and commercial customers on all six major Hawaiian islands.

How Do I Open An Account/Start Gas Service For A Residential Unit?

If your home does not currently have a gas meter or tank already installed on the property, please check out our 10 Steps to Get Gas.

If you would like to open an account with Hawaiʻi Gas and your home already has a gas meter or tank on the property, please call our office during normal business hours. We are open Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration usually takes 10-15 minutes. You will be asked for identifying information, employment information, and may be asked for proof of ownership, or, in the case of a rental unit, landlord’s information. The information we collect is never shared with a third party.

A deposit may be required if the individual and/or business does not already have an established account with us. The deposit can be waived by signing up for our Automatic Bill Payment program provided that gas service was not previously interrupted and/or disconnected for returned payments.

You may view our office locations and phone numbers here.

How Can I Get Gas In My Business?

To get gas in your business, fill out our new service form here. Then one of our account executives will get back to you within 1-2 business days.

How Do I Close An Account/End Gas Service For A Business?

To discontinue service on a business account, we must receive a request in writing, signed by the owner or authorized agent of the business. The letter must include the following items:
• Date services are requested to be stopped Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) at least two business days after the date of the notice.
• A forwarding address for the final statement.
• Whether or not gas equipment is accessible, and if not, how our technician may gain safe access.
• Phone number and name of a contact person.

Where Should I Shop For Gas Appliances?

Click here for a list of gas appliance dealers by island.

How Do I Add A Gas Appliance To My Home?

To add a gas appliance to your home, see our Get Gas section located here.

How Can I Get Gas In My Home?

To get gas in your home, fill out our new service form here.

How Can I Read A Gas Meter or A Propane Tank Gauge?

Reading a Gas Meter:Gas, both Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) and Propane (LPG) can be measured monthly by a meter to determine gas consumption.  A customer’s monthly usage is calculated by comparing the current meter read with last month’s meter read.
Learn how to read your dial meter by following the steps below:

Step 1: Identify the recording dials on your meter.  These dials will have the numbers 0 – 9 grouped inside a circle.  Typically, residential meters will have a total of 4 recording dials and commercial/industrial meters can have up to 6 recording dials.  Note: The recording dials rotate in opposite directions from each other.

Step 2: Read the recording dials from left to right.

Step 3: The black hand indicates the position of the recording dial.

Step 4: When the hand is between two numbers, record the lower number (note: if the hand is between the “9” and “0”, record “9”).  If the hand is directly on a number, then look at the dial to the right before recording the number.  If the hand on the right has passed “0”, then select the number the hand is directly on for the dial on the left.  If the hand on the right has not passed “0”, then select the lower number for the dial on the left.

Meter reading example:

Gas meters, measuring in cubic feet

The first dial hand rotates counterclockwise and is between “2” and “3”.  This dial would read “2”.The second dial hand rotates clockwise and is between “7” and “8”.  This dial would read “7”.The third dial hand rotates counterclockwise and is between “5” and “6”.  This dial would read “5”.The forth dial hand rotates clockwise and is between “6” and “7”.  This dial would read “6”.The correct reading for this meter would be 2756.

Reading a Propane Tank Gauge:The propane tank gauge is located on top of the tank inside the dome cover.  The gauge shows the approximate percentage of propane remaining inside the tank.

Lift the dome cover and locate the tank gauge (see picture).

Liquefied natural gas tank

The numbers represent the amount (as a percentage) of propane remaining in the tank. The black hand shows approximately how much propane is left inside the tank.

Closeup of propane tank meter.

For example, this tank shows approximately 41% propane remaining in the tank.Propane customers that call in to schedule fills should periodically check their tank gauge and contact us when the gauge reading is at 30-35% to ensure uninterrupted service.  A refill will be scheduled within 10 working days as the delivery schedule allows.

If I'm Having Difficulties Paying My Gas Bill, Where Can I Get Help?

The Federal Government has a program for Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program. Annual open enrollment is offered June 1 - 30. Contact your nearest HCAP office for assistance provided the bill is not already past due.

In addition, you may contact your nearest branch office to make term arrangements on a one-time large bill.

How Can I Submit A Claim for Gas Outage?

If you have a gas outage, please give us a call at your local branch office. You can find the phone numbers here.

What Is an Authorized Party?

An authorized party is someone whom the account holder has given us permission to speak to regarding their account. Authorized parties can be anyone the account holder designates, and would have the authority to request information regarding billing, schedule appointments or repairs, authorize other parties on the account, or close the account should services no longer be required.

Account holders must specifically designate authorized parties. We value our customers’ privacy and security and we follow the Privacy Law for our customers’ protection. If you are the spouse of the account holder, and/or the owner of the property, we cannot speak to you regarding the account without the account holder’s permission.

What If The Account Holder Is Deceased?

If the primary account holder has passed away, someone must take over the account or the account will be closed. We can only change the name on the account to a direct relative (spouse, child or parent). Please contact your local branch office to request the name change, provide updated contact information, and submit the following documents.

Spouse: Please submit a copy of the account holder’s death certificate.

Child: Please submit a copy of the account holder’s death certificate and a copy of your birth certificate.*If your last name has changed due to marriage, please submit a copy of your marriage certificate instead of your birth certificate.

Parent: Please submit a copy of the account holder’s death certificate.

Not a Direct Relative (but have legal documents assigning you as the personal representative of the estate): Please provide a copy of the legal documents as well as a copy of the account holder’s death certificate. We will add you as an authorized party on the account until the affairs of the decedent have been settled. At that time, requests to process a name change on the account will be reviewed.

All Other Parties: Must register for new service under his/her name.

How Can I Change My Billing Address?

If you are a residential customer:The account holder, or other authorized party on the account, may call our office, verify their information and update the billing address.

If you are a business customer:Please submit a letter (preferably on letterhead) updating the billing address. The letter must be signed by the owner or authorized agent or officer of the business, verifiable under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (“DCCA”) if the business is registered. Please include a contact phone number.

If I Made Payment Arrangements Why Do I Receive A Shut Off Notice?

Depending on what type of payment arrangement was set up, the past due notices are system generated. If you have questions, please call us at 808-535-5933.

How Do I Reactivate My Gas Service?

There may be times where you shut off your gas for a number of reasons (fumigation, natural disasters, vacation homes, etc.)

To reactivate your services, a Hawaiʻi Gas technician must come to the property to perform a leak and pressure test on the gas system. Activation fees are $30 for next business day, or $50 for same day activation, based upon availability of our technicians. Same day service may not be available and may need to be scheduled on the next available day.

Our technician will need to have access to all gas appliances to perform the leak and pressure test. If activation is scheduled and the technician cannot get access to the appliances, they will leave the gas off and a $30 fee will be charged, and the activation will need to be rescheduled. Even if the gas is turned on, regulation requires Hawaiʻi Gas to send a technician to perform a leak and pressure test anytime there is a change of account holders.

How Do I Sign Up for Automatic Bill Payment? On-Line Payment? E-Bill?

You may sign up for Automatic Bill Pay by submitting this online form or by visiting your nearest branch office.

How Do I Transfer Service?

Unfortunately, Hawaiʻi Gas does not transfer services. If a customer is relocating, they must close an account and open another at the other location. To see how to close an account View the "How Do I Close An Account/End Gas Service For A Residential Unit?" FAQ. To see how to open an account View the "How Do I Open An Account/Start Gas Service For A Business?" FAQ.

Where Can I Pay My Bill?

You may pay your bill online via SpeedPay by clicking here.

If you wish to pay in person, we have two options for your convenience:

1. You may visit any one of our branch locations. To find a location nearest you please click here.

2. You may also visit any Western Union Location. To find a location nearest you please click here. When selecting a filter, please select “Payments”.

After Placing My Gas Order When Can I Expect My Delivery?

Please allow a minimum of (10) ten working days for Hawaiʻi Gas to deliver propane to your home or business. In order to prevent a service interruption, please call us for: 

• Tank Service: When the gauge reads between 30-35 percent. Please note that the gauge reads the percentage of the tank’s capacity and not gallons.
• Cylinder Service: When the first cylinder empties and you switch to the second cylinder.

If you run out of propane and are in need of an “emergency” fill, a service charge may be assessed.

How Do I Change or Cancel My Automatic Bill Payment?

To change the automatic bill payment:

If your bank account from which automatic bill payments are drawn has changed, please fill out a new automatic bill payment form and submit it with a copy of the voided check or deposit slip for the new account, along with a short note requesting the date you would like the change to occur.

Please note that changes may take up to 30 days to complete. If a statement is generated within this window, you may need to make a manual payment in order to avoid late fees. If you are requesting a change or cancellation of automatic bill payment within a week of the statement due date, we may not be able to stop the payment from being pulled from your old account.

To cancel the automatic bill payment:Please submit a signed request in writing to cancel your automatic bill payments. Be advised that if you signed up for automatic bill payments in order to waive the deposit on the account, and your account has been opened for less than twelve consecutive months, a deposit will be charged to your account upon cancellation of automatic bill payments.

How Can I Authorize Someone On My Account?

If you are a residential customer:
The account holder, or other authorized party on the account, may call our office, verify their information and authorize (or de-authorize) another individual.

If you are a business customer:
Please submit a letter (preferably on letterhead) listing the people that you would like us to be able to speak to regarding your account. The letter must be signed by the owner or authorized agent or officer of the business, verifiable under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (“DCCA”) if the business is registered. Please include a contact phone number.

What Is The Difference Between Automatic Bill Pay (ABP) And Online Bill Pay?

Automatic Bill Pay is a free and easy option to pay your bill by authorizing Hawaiʻi Gas to automatically deduct current charges from the bank account you designate. You still will receive a detailed monthly gas bill listing current charges or credits to your account. You have two weeks to review your current gas charges before your payment is automatically deducted on the due date. Sign up for Automatic Bill Pay here.

Online Bill Pay is another option for our customers to view and pay their bill online. In addition, you will have an option to pay online with a low cost convenience fee. Find out more about Online Bill Pay here.

How Do I Dispute My Bill?

If you believe your bill is incorrect, call us before the payment due date and we will provide a prompt explanation, in writing if requested. Payment of the bill will then be due within seven (7) days of the explanation. If you still disagree, you may pay under protest. To do so, please do not write on the bill. Instead, send us a letter with your name, account number, date of the bill, description and amount of the error and an explanation of why you still believe the bill to be in error.

For utility customers, you may also mail a copy to the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission, 465 S King St, Suite 103, Honolulu, HI 96813.

How Do I Change A Name On My Account?

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce or legal name change, please submit a copy of the legal document indicating the name change (divorce decree, marriage license, etc.) along with a note requesting the change.

If you want to change the name on the account to a different primary account holder, the new account holder will need to initiate the process to activate a new account. Please note that activation fees and deposits will be required.

What Is A Customer Charge?

Hawaiʻi Gas’ monthly customer charge covers the costs associated with providing the safe and reliable service you’ve come to expect. The charge goes directly to services such as reading gas meters, on-site inspection and testing of tanks, processing and generating customer bills, and equipment costs such as tanks, service lines, meters, and regulators. In addition, our monthly customer charge allows us to provide unmatched 24/7 customer support and important emergency response services.

How Do I Report a Gas Leak?

If you detect a leak, leave the area immediately and warn other to stay away. Call 911 first and then call Hawaiʻi Gas at 808-535-5933.

What Do I Need to Do If I Am Renovating My Home?

If you plan to renovate your home, it’s best to speak with your local Hawaiʻi Gas residential representative prior to purchasing your appliances. Not only will you receive the benefit of advice on placement, you can also qualify for certain rebates on the appliances you purchase. If you already have gas, please call your local office; the residential representative will assist with scheduling the gas to be shut off during the renovation and turned back on after completion.

How Do I Shut Off My Gas?

Please DO NOT shut off your gas until you are instructed to do so by Civil Defense, emergency management officials or Hawaiʻi Gas. If you are required to evacuate your home or business, we will issue instructions through public service announcements saying whether or not you should shut off the gas.

For more information, click here.

How Do I Switch A Cylinder?

Cylinders are typically installed in pairs. When one cylinder is emptied take these steps to restore gas service:
• Close the valve on the top of the empty cylinder.
• Turn the manifold valve switch to the full cylinder.
• Open the valve on the top of the full cylinder all the way.
• Call us to schedule replacement of the empty cylinder.

If gas service is discontinued, credit will be issued only for full unused cylinders. Cylinder refills are scheduled within 10 working days of receipt of a customer’s request. When our service personnel replace your empty cylinder, you will be given a dated receipt indicating the gallons of gas delivered and billed accordingly. If you request an immediate refill, a service charge will also be added to the billing period.

What Do I Need To Do If I Fumigate My Home?

For your safety, gas should be turned off before you tent/fumigate your home/building. If you or the fumigation company are unsure how to turn off the gas please contact Hawaiʻi Gas at least two (2) business days in advance to schedule your gas to be turned off. You will need to schedule a time for one of our qualified service technicians to turn your gas back on. Only Hawaiʻi Gas employees are authorized to restore service. There will be a fee to turn your gas back on after fumigation. This fee will appear on your next bill statement. These service visits are performed during our normal business hours: Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) from 7:30am-4:00pm.

When using insecticide foggers in your home, always read and follow the label carefully. If you are unsure of what to do with the pilot light on your gas appliance, contact us before turning off the pilot.

Once you fully ventilate the area after fumigation and only if instructed by Hawaiʻi Gas, follow the appliance manufacturer’s instructions to re-light your pilot.

Can I Submit My Request to Have My Utility Lines Marked Online At This Web Site?

No, you must call 811 to request utility line marking. 811 is a free service.
To learn more about 811, click here.

Why Should I Call 811 Before Every Dig?

Calling 811 is important before you start any digging project. It will help you avoid injury, expense, embarrassment - and a very inconvenient loss of electricity, gas, telephone or internet service. Always call before you dig. 811 is a free service.
To learn more about 811, click here.

How Do I Prepare My Tank For A Natural Disaster?

Make sure you and your family knows what propane smells like: propane has a strong, unpleasant smell. Show your family where the outdoor propane supply and indoor propane appliances are located, and teach them how to turn them off. Remember, you should only shut off your propane supply if instructed to do so.

Consider anchoring or bracing your tank to help prevent it from moving, sliding, or falling over during a natural disaster. Contact Hawaiʻi Gas for more information. Clear the area surrounding your tank of any tall or heavy objects that could fall on it during a natural disaster. Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector on every level of your home. Make a list of instructions on how to turn off electricity, propane, and water supplies, and post the list in a convenient location that is made known to all family members.

Can I Repair or Modify My Own Propane System?

Modifications to any part of a propane system is not advisable and unsafe. All repairs and modifications to any part of a propane system should be handled by Hawaiʻi Gas. Performing repairs and making modifications or additions to your propane system is not advisable. You will be safer in addition to it being cheaper in the long run.

Is Propane Environmentally Friendly?

Yes. Propane is one of the lightest, simplest hydrocarbons in existence, and, as a result, is one of the cleanest burning of all fossil fuels. Propane gas is nontoxic, so it’s not harmful to soil and water. It is also an approved, alternative clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act and the National Energy Policy Act of 1992.

Propane is also a natural by-product of the gas refining process, which means that we don’t have to do any additional drilling or mining in order to gather propane. It doesn’t contaminate soil or groundwater, and when it burns it emits extremely low levels of carbon dioxide and particulates compared to other sources of fuel.

Who Uses Propane?

Propane is a trusted and reliable energy source that is used by thousands of Hawaiʻi families and businesses. It fulfills energy needs by burning cleanly and efficiently, giving consumers more value for their energy dollar. People use propane in or outside their homes for furnaces, water heaters, air conditioners, grills and appliances; on farms; for industrial uses such as forklifts and fleet vehicles; and in millions of commercial establishments, including restaurants and hotels that depend on propane for heating, cooking and other uses.

How Is Propane Stored?

Propane is stored in tanks, which should be kept outside. Never store propane tanks inside or in an enclosed area. If the tanks were to leak, it could pose a hazard. Also, propane tanks should only be filled to around 80% capacity to allow for propane expansion during periods of extreme heat.

Is Propane Cheaper Than Electricity?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it could cost up to twice as much to operate your range, water heater, dryer or furnace with electricity than with propane gas.On a pure fuel cost basis, propane can be up to 35 percent cheaper than electricity.

Is Propane Safe To Use In My Home?

Propane is a safe fuel to use in your home and business. Propane has a narrow range of flammability and cannot be ingested like gasoline or alcohol fuels because it is released as a vapor from a pressured container. In addition, our certified gas appliance service technicians ensure that homeowners understand how to properly maintain their propane appliances and enjoy a healthy, safe environment.

Why Is My Propane Regulator Covered In Frost?

Liquid propane is stored under pressure and when it expands into vapor form it cools the regulator to a temperature of negative 44 degrees Fahrenheit. When the cold metal contacts the water vapor in the air, frost forms. This is similar to when you open your freezer and you see a mist coming out.

What Is Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG)?

Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) is methane produced by converting naphtha, a by-product of oil refining, into methane. This process occurs at Hawaiʻi Gas’ SNG Plant in Campbell Industrial Park. While SNG is similar in properties to natural gas found in the earth all over the world, SNG does contain less methane than natural gas. Despite the difference in methane purity, SNG and natural gas can still be blended together without any difference to our customers. SNG and natural gas are distributed to the greater Honolulu area via an underground utility pipeline system that runs from Kapolei to Hawaiʻi Kai.

How Much SNG Does Hawaiʻi Gas Produce?

Homes and businesses on Hawaiʻi Gas’ SNG pipeline system consume approximately 24 million therms or 2.3 billion cubic feet of SNG every year. That’s the equivalent to producing approximately 100 million hot showers.

Is SNG Safe To Use In My Home?

Yes. SNG contains non-toxic, non-corrosive gas. SNG is lighter than air so if it escapes into the atmosphere, it dissipates rapidly. When mixed with the proper amount of air and ignited, SNG burns with a clean, blue flame.

It is one of the cleanest burning fuels, producing primarily heat, carbon dioxide and water vapor. SNG also has a narrow combustion limit. This helps ensure predictable, safe use. Natural gas will only ignite when there is an air-and-gas mixture of between 5 and 15 percent natural gas. Any mixture containing less than 5 percent or greater than 15 percent natural gas will not ignite.

How Is SNG Made?

To get a better idea of our SNG manufacturing process, please view our How SNG is Made and Distributed section.

Is SNG Cheaper Than Electricity?

Yes, customers using appliances running off SNG pay less than using electric appliances for the same task. In fact, on a pure fuel cost basis, SNG is 42% less expensive than electricity.

What Is LNG?

LNG is liquefied natural gas, which is natural gas that has been converted to liquid form. Natural gas is made mostly of methane (CH4), the simplest hydrocarbon compound. Natural gas changes to a liquid state at about minus 259 degrees Fahrenheit (-259°F) the same way water turns to a liquid when cooled below 212 degrees Fahrenheit (212°F). LNG takes up 1/600th the physical space required when in gaseous form. Thus, LNG provides an economical way to ship natural gas from one location to another. LNG is odorless, colorless, non-corrosive, and non-toxic

How Safe Is LNG?

The liquefied natural gas industry has an impeccable safety record. Comprehensive safety practices and procedures for handling, transporting and storing LNG are well established and regulated. According to a Department of Energy report, LNG transports experienced no serious accident at sea or in port in the past 40 years. In large part this is due to comprehensive safety and security programs for LNG tankers and receiving terminals. To better understand LNG please view our Introduction to LNG video.

How Does LNG Compared To SNG In Terms Of Cost?

LNG is less expensive than the naphtha currently use to manufacture synthetic natural gas. For this reason, LNG can provide cost-savings for everyone. Using LNG helps us diversify our fuel supply for reliability while providing a cleaner and cheaper fuel.Unlike solar, natural gas does not have a high upfront cost for consumers. Everyone can benefit from cleaner, cheaper, reliable energy without having to face a steep financial barrier.

Why Is Hawaiʻi Gas Pursuing The Use Of LNG In Hawai'i?

We are pursuing the use of LNG in Hawaiʻi to use as a form of emergency backup energy to ensure reliable service to our customers. We believe LNG is a viable option to reduce our dependency on foreign oil and has other possible applications that will benefit our state. Studies indicate Hawaiʻi can realize around $500 million by utilizing LNG.

What Are The Benefits Of LNG?

Our studies have shown that LNG provides a direct benefit to our existing and future customers by lowering the cost of utility gas on Oahu. Since vaporized LNG is similar in properties to our SNG, we can create a cost-effective blend of synthetic and clean burning natural gas while continuing to reduce our carbon footprint.

Is LNG Toxic? Does It Have An Odor? Is It Corrosive?

LNG is colorless, odorless, non-toxic and non-corrosive. Hawaiʻi Gas will add an odorant as part of its standard safety proceduresIs Propane Safe? Absolutely.

How Is LNG Stored?

LNG is typically stored at atmospheric pressure in double-walled vacuum insulated tanks. From storage, LNG is converted back into gas (vaporization) and fed into a natural gas pipeline system. For decades, LNG has been transported by truck to satellite storage sites for various applications.Permanent LNG storage tanks have a dike or impounding wall around the tank that is capable of containing the entire volume of the tank, in the unlikely event of a spill. This would prevent any LNG from flowing off the site.

Can LNG Explode?

Natural gas, in its liquid form, cannot burn or explode. When LNG is heated and becomes a gas, the gas is not explosive if it is in an unconfined space. Natural gas is only flammable within a narrow range of concentrations in the air (5% to 15%). Less air does not contain enough oxygen to sustain a flame, while more air dilutes the gas too much for it to ignite. To better understand LNG please view our Introduction to LNG video.

What Would Happen If LNG Were To Spill?

When exposed to air, LNG quickly vaporizes back to its gaseous state and, because it is lighter than air, it will rise under normal atmospheric conditions and be dispersed by the wind, leaving no residue.

Is LNG Cost Effective?

Yes. Using LNG from North American has the potential to lower the cost of energy for our state by 30-50%. Studies conducted by the Hawaiʻi Natural Energy Institute, Hawaiʻi Gas, and HECO all indicate Hawaiʻi can save around $500 million a year with LNG.

Where Will LNG Come From?

In the short term LNG will be purchased from North America. Once demand becomes large enough, Hawaiʻi can import larger amounts of LNG via tanker from various sources. Receiving LNG in this fashion will enable the state to take advantage of economies of scale, but will also require temporary and permanent infrastructure to offload, store and distribute LNG/Natural Gas.

Can LNG Replace SNG And Propane?

LNG can replace SNG and requires equipment modification for propane appliances. LNG is similar in properties to SNG in that they are both predominantly made up of methane (CH4). Any home or business located near the Hawaiʻi Gas’ Honolulu Pipeline Utility System can use cost-effective, clean burning LNG when vaporized to cook, heat, and dry.

How Does SNG Differ From LNG?

SNG is methane produced by converting naphtha, a by-product of oil refining, into methane. This process occurs at Hawaiʻi Gas’ SNG Pant in Campbell Industrial Park.While similar in properties, LNG is natural gas that has been converted to liquid form. Unlike SNG, natural gas we use comes from naturally occurring natural gas wells in North America.

Will I Notice A Difference In My Gas Service With LNG?

No. You will not notice any difference in your gas service. And, you will not need any additional fixtures or equipment.

Can LNG Be Used For Transportation?

In Los Angeles: 2,200 buses were converted to compressed natural gas (CNG) reducing the city’s emissions and operating costs. Natural gas can definitely be as a fleet transportation fuel for buses, garbage trucks, and vehicles that move containers around in harbors. Once you have natural gas in a pipeline, it's a matter of building a filling station and a CNG tank. There's not a lot of additional technology needed to do that. Filling stations are built across the mainland today.

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