Press Releases

November 29, 2011 - Public Utilities Commission Approves New Rules for Interconnection to The HECO Companies’ Distribution System

HONOLULU – In a Decision and Order issued today, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (Commission) approved revisions to the HECO Companies' Tariff Rule 14H, which governs the interconnection of distributed generating facilities, such as solar photovoltaic systems, operating in parallel with the HECO Companies' electrical distribution system. The revisions are intended to facilitate increased penetration and the interconnection process.

September 30, 2011 - Champley Appointed PUC Commissioner

HONOLULU – Governor Neil Abercrombie announced the appointment of Michael Champley as commissioner to the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on September 15, 2011. He began serving on the PUC on an interim basis after being sworn into office on September 22. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Hawaii State Senate when the Legislature convenes for its 2012 session.

August 5, 2011 - Commissioner and Former Chairman Carlito P. Caliboso Announces Resignation As A Member of The Public Utilities Commission To Return To The Private Sector

HONOLULU – In a letter to Governor Neil Abercrombie dated August 5, 2011, Carlito P. Caliboso, resigned as a Commissioner of the Public Utilities Commission (“Commission”), effective as of the close of business on August 31, 2011, which will be his last day in office.

October 13, 2010 - Public Utilities Commission Approves Feed-In Tariffs For The Hawaiian Electric Companies To Facilitate The Acquisition And Development Of Renewable Energy

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (Commission) today issued an order approving feed-in tariffs (FIT) for the Hawaiian Electric Companies (Hawaiian Electric Company, Hawaii Electric Light Company, and Maui Electric Company) for renewable energy generators of up to 500 kW in size, to facilitate the acquisition and development of renewable energy in Hawaii. The approved tariffs include applicable pricing, terms and conditions, a standard form of contract, and queuing and interconnection procedures for the FIT program.

September 23, 2010 - Public Utilities Commission Approves a Final Rate Increase

On September 23, 2010, the Public Utilities Commission ("Commission") issued its final Decision and Order approving an increase in annual revenues of $548,682 over previously existing rates (an increase of approximately 126.52%) for Molokai Public Utilities, Inc. ("MPU"), based on a test year period from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010, and a total annual revenue requirement of $982,333.

September 22, 2010 - Public Utilities Commission Approves Applicable Portions of the Chapter 11 Reorganization Plan of Hawaiian Telcom, Inc. and Hawaiian Telcom Services Company, Inc.

HONOLULU – Today, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“Commission”) issued a Decision and Order approving applicable portions of Hawaiian Telcom, Inc.’s and Hawaiian Telcom Services Company, Inc.’s (collectively, “Hawaiian Telcom”) Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization (the “Reorganization Plan”). The Reorganization Plan was previously confirmed by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Hawaii in In re Hawaiian Telcom Communications, Inc., et al., Case No. 08-02005.

September 20, 2010 - Public Utilities Commission Issues Interim Decision and Order Approving Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines LLC’s Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity

HONOLULU – Today, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“Commission”) issued an Interim Decision and Order approving Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines LLC’s (“Pasha”) application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (“CPCN”). The Interim Decision and Order authorizes Pasha to operate as a water carrier of property between and among the ports of Honolulu, Kahului, Hilo, Nawiliwili, Barbers Point, and Pearl Harbor on an interim basis through December 31, 2013.

August 31, 2010 - Public Utilities Commission Issues Final Decision Approving A Decoupling Mechanism For The Hawaiian Electric Companies To Encourage Their Support For Renewable Energy And Energy Efficiency Initiatives

HONOLULU – To encourage the Hawaiian Electric Companies (Hawaiian Electric Company, Hawaii Electric Light Company, and Maui Electric Light Company) to accelerate the adoption of clean energy resources, including renewable energy generation and energy efficiency programs, the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission (Commission) today approved a decoupling mechanism that is designed to de-link the Hawaiian Electric Companies’ revenues and profits from their electricity sales.

July 1, 2009 - The Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission Establishes Solar Water Heater Systems Standards for New Single-Family Homes

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission (PUC) announced today that it has established Solar Water Heater Systems Standards (standards) as required under Act 204, passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Linda Lingle in 2008.

June 17,2008 - Public Utilities Commission Forced to Propose Temporary Rate Increases for Moloka`i Utilities to enable Temporary Continuation of Services