#Public Utilities Commission

Public Utilities Commission chairman James Griffin has informed Gov. David Ige that he will be stepping down from the PUC at the end of his term, which expires on June 30, 2022.

Submitted last year and estimated to cost approximately $38.8 million, the upgrades are part of the company’s plans to reduce its overall carbon footprint by 70% by 2030 when compared to 2005 levels and to achieve a renewable portfolio standard of 100% by 2045.

Hawaiian Electric has asked the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to approve its proposed Public Electric Vehicle Charger Expansion Project, which would install and operate about 300 more charging stations at roughly 75 sites, and with lower rates, as part of the company’s ongoing effort to help Hawai‘i achieve its decarbonization goals.

The settlement agreement includes annual community benefit contributions to organizations such as Lahainaluna High School, Maui Cultural Lands, Pu’u Kukui Watershed and UH Maui College. An additional portion of funds will be distributed to West Maui community groups through the Hawai’i Community Foundation.

Last month Hawai‘i become only the second state with a formal microgrid services tariff, and its framework could become a model for other states, according to Microgrid Knowledge, a national publication.

Hawaiian Electric customer accounts that would normally face disconnection will instead be enrolled in a 12-month payment plan to keep the lights on, with affected customers seeing the first of 12 installments in July bills.

The Public Utilities Commission approved Hawaiian Electric’s pilot program that will encourage the growth of electric bus fleets by helping bus operators reduce upfront costs of installing charging equipment on O‘ahu, Maui and Hawai‘i Island.

Hawaiian Electric will not disconnect customers with past due accounts immediately after May 31, 2021, the end of the moratorium on disconnections set by the Public Utilities Commission. But customers are urged to act now to set up a payment plan to avoid disconnection in the future.

ENERGY STAR® recognizes organizations across the U.S. for implementing high-performing energy efficiency programs to improve the efficiency of products, homes and buildings within their community. Hawai‘i Energy was recognized for its residential and commercial programs and is the first organization in the state to receive the distinguished award.

Hawaiian Electric saw a 55 percent increase in new private rooftop installations across Hawaiʻi in 2020 compared to 2019 – despite initial concerns that the COVID-19 pandemic would slow down installations.

The moratorium on disconnections for nonpayment has been extended through March 31, 2021, by order of the Public Utilities Commission.

This weekʻs Maui Now letters include opinions on who deserves the Community Based Renewable Energy Project on Molokaʻi and a discussion about changing the Electoral College from a “winner take all” process.

Planned to be online in 2023, Paeahu Solar is capable of powering about 6,900 Maui homes per year. Over the lifetime of the project, it can replace the use of 1.3 million barrels of liquid fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 530,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Hawaiian Electric announced Wednesday that it has submitted eight new renewable energy projects to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for review. If approved, the projects could produce lower-cost electricity, advance clean energy and phase out coal consumption in Hawai’i – enabling the retirement of the Kahului plant. 

On Friday night, Young Brothers filed a letter with the Public Utilities Commission to underscore the urgency of its pending request for an emergency rate increase by Aug. 17, 2020. Company representatives say the increase is needed so that the company may continue to provide its statewide interisland shipping services.

Hawaiian Electric continues to offer special payment plan options to customers, including extending payments over time, as residents and businesses continue to deal with the financial toll of the coronavirus pandemic.

Hawaiian Electric and Pūlama Lānaʻi have ended discussions about a potential sale of the electric system on Lānaʻi, which will continue to be owned and operated by the utility.

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved Hawaiian Electric’s plan to own and operate four potential EVohana sites on Maui.

Hawaiian Electric was approached by Pūlama Lāna`i about acquiring the assets of the utility after Hawaiian Electric issued a request for proposals for renewable energy projects on Lāna`i.

The lower rates are an incentivize for drivers to charge during daylight hours, when solar energy is abundant.