Energy “Action Plan” Public Meetings Set

MECO workers file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Sonia Isotov

Meetings have been scheduled across the state to receive public comment on Integrated Resource Planning being filed by Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawaii Electric Light Company.

The utilities’ goal is to file an Integrated Resource Planning Report for each company with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission by June 28, 2013. The Report will includes an “action plan” to meet energy objectives and customer needs consistent with the state’s energy policies and goals.

The public meetings in Maui County are:

• 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 10 at Hale Kupuna, 1144 Ilima Ave. in Lanai City, Lanai
• 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11 at Pomaikai Elementary School Cafeteria, 4650 S. Kamehameha Ave. in Kahului, Maui
• 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday December 13 at Mitchell Pauole Community Center, 90 Ainoa St. in Kaunakakai, Molokai

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC)  initiated the latest round of integrated resource panning in March 2012 with Docket 2012-0036 and named Carl Freedman of Maui- based Haiku Design & Analysis as the commission’s “independent entity” to oversee the process.

MECO Maalaea Power Plant, file photo by Wendy Osher.

The commission also named a 68-member IRP Advisory Group composed of representatives from diverse locations and organizations in Hawaii to provide public input to the Hawaiian Electric utilities in the planning process.

“We recognize the great interest many people have in our energy future so we are hosting these meetings to listen to comments and obtain further input,” said Colton Ching, the vice president for system operation and planning of Hawaiian Electric, in a written statement.

“Comments can also be posted on line but we know many prefer to have their say in person. There will be another opportunity for public comment in April or May when the scenario plans are finalized.”

Scenarios under development for Hawaii’s energy future are described in detail among the complete Integrated Resource Planning documents available on-line at http://www.irpie.com.

In brief, the scenarios are:

• Blazing a Bold Frontier: High oil prices and policies supporting clean energy resources
• Stuck in the Middle: Moderate but growing oil prices with uncertain public policy regarding clean energy resource and infrastructure implementation
• No Burning Desire: Lower oil prices with waning policy support for clean energy
• Moved by Passion: Moderate but growing oil prices with aggressive clean energy policies

The utilities will consider comments in preparation of energy resource action plans that will be presented for further public comment in the spring of 2013.