On Monday, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission issued a decision approving Maui Electric Company’s interim rate increase request allowing a 3.16% rate increase.

Electrical service has been restored to customers in areas of Mahinahina and Kahana in West Maui. The outage was first reported at around 2:45 a.m. MECO officials say power was restored shortly before 5 a.m.

In addition to the inconvenience of a power outage, metallic balloons entangled in overhead power lines also pose a safety hazard to electrical crews who need to remove them to restore the power, said MECO officials.

Under the PUC decision, a 1.5% increase, or $4.7 million in annual revenues was finalized, effective May 4, 2012. Company officials say the amount has already been reflected in electric bills since August 2010, when the PUC approved an interim increase.

Officials with Sempra US Gas & Power say construction will create about 150 construction jobs, with five positions to remain in place for the operation of the facility.

Maui Electric Company is ranked seventh in the nation in a list of top utilities for solar power. In 2011, Maui Electric Company reported a 100.2 watts-per-customer rate, an increase from its 22.8 rate a year before.

Maui Electric Company has appointed Sharon M. Suzuki as the company’s next president. Suzuki, whose appointment takes effect on May 1, 2012, fills the post being vacated by the retirement of Ed Reinhardt

As of 5 p.m., all power is restored on Maui. MECO officials say a malfunction on the controls of two large generating units at Maalaea Power Plant caused the units to trip offline. Approximately 20,000 customers were initially affected by the power outage.

Officials with Maui Electric Company say the outage is affecting areas of Haiku bounded by Haiku Road, Maliko Gulch, Haiku Hills Subdivision, Pauwela Road, Hana Highway, Kalanikahua Road, and lateral streets.

The new outdoor lighting project is expected to improve safety and allow the Maui Historical Society to hold evening functions including concerts and fundraising events on the museum grounds.