Deadline for RFP Study on Alternatives for Maui Electric Ownership/Model

MECO workers, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

Today is the deadline for bids on an RFP study, initiated by the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development to explore options available for a new electric utility model in Maui County.

The $30,000 analysis is in response to the County’s concerns about the proposed NextEra/Hawaiian Electric Industries merger before the Public Utilities Commission.

Upon announcing plans for the RFP study in May, Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa said the study will provide information to help determine if it would be best to start a County utility like the co-op on Kauaʻi, allow the NextEra deal to go through, or invest in another option.

Maui Electric President Sharon Suzuki said that while she respects the mayor’s decision to explore options; she said Maui Electric’s efforts to bring clean energy to Maui County reflect the same goals.