How does a utility increase the amount of wind energy powering homes without putting up more turbines? You make sure every watt generated – or close to it – makes its way onto the grid. (See related quiz: “What You Don’t Know About Wind Energy.”)

That’s what Maui Electric Company said [PDF] it’s doing, announcing changes in its use and integration of wind power that are allowing it to use about 91 percent of available wind energy compared to an estimated 72 percent prior to making the changes.

“The increased use of wind energy results in estimated savings of more than $22 per year for a typical Maui residential electric bill,” the company said. “With additional changes, Maui Electric expects to increase