Public Utilities Commission

PUC Launches Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebate Program

On January 1, 2020, the Commission officially launched the statewide Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebate Program, which is being administered by Hawaii Energy. This program was signed into law by Governor Ige in June 2019, and provides funding for rebates for EV charging station installations and upgrades throughout the State of Hawaii.

HELCO Provides the PUC with Quarterly Reports on PGV Facility

On December 2, 2019, HELCO provided the PUC with a quarterly report regarding the status of various permits required for the PGV facility. HELCO also reiterates that HELCO and PGV are actively negotiating an amended and restated power purchase agreement, which they intend to execute and submit for PUC review by no later than the end of 2019.

Details for attending and viewing the hearing on Life of the Land’s Motion for Relief from Order No. 32600

The Commission welcomes all interested members of the public to the hearing on Life of the Land’s Motion.

Regarding Hearing on Life of the Land’s Motion for Relief from Order No. 32600

Consistent with the Notice of Hearing and Order No. 36715, both filed on October 30, 2019, the Public Utilities Commission (“Commission”) provides the following information for members of the public interested in attending or viewing the hearing on Life of the Land’s Motion for Relief from Order No. 32600, filed September 11, 2019, which will be held on November 22, 2019, at 1:30 p.m. at the Commission’s Honolulu office hearing room, 465 South King Street, Room 103, Honolulu, HI 96813.

Hawaii Statewide Energy Use Study: Final-Phase Surveys

Residential and business customers have been participating in the 2019 Statewide Energy Use Study, and the final surveys are being conducted through November 2019.

PUC Requests Hawaii Natural Energy Institute to Analyze Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Energy Projects

The Commission has asked the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (“HNEI”) to conduct a study on the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from various energy products and technologies. The Commission expects to use the results from the study to support regulatory decisions for the State’s electric and gas utilities. See attached letter for details. The Commission will post updates on this project as the study proceeds further.

PUC Issues Decision and Order on Performance-Based Regulation

The Hawaii PUC issued a Decision and Order today establishing a Performance-Based Regulation framework for the Hawaiian Electric Companies aimed at reducing costs, improving performance, and furthering the State’s clean energy goals.

Notice of Public Hearing for Application of Kona Water Service Company, Inc., For A General Rate Increase and For Approval of Revisions of Its Tariff

The PUC will hold a public hearing relating to the application of KONA WATER SERVICE COMPANY, INC., (“KWSC”), for Commission approval of a general rate increase and revisions of its tariff. The public hearing will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. at the West Hawaii Civic Center, County Council Chambers.

PUC Staff Issues Proposal for Performance-Based Regulation

Hawaii PUC Staff Proposes Performance-Based Regulation to Achieve State Energy Goals, Deliver Cost Savings to Customers.

PUC Approves Joint Pole Agreement Between Hawaiian Telcom and Hawaiian Electric Companies

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission approved an agreement that would transfer ownership of 120,000 utility poles from Hawaiian Telcom to Hawaiian Electric.

PUC Issues Final Decision for Maui Electric Company, Inc. Power Purchase Agreement with Molokai New Energy Partners

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission issued its Final Decision and Order approving Maui Electric Company, Inc.’s Power Purchase Agreement for Renewable As-Available Energy and Electric Services with Molokai New Energy Partners.

PUC Invites Public Comment on Hawaiian Electric Companies’ Integrated Grid Planning Report

As requested by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“Commission”), the Hawaiian Electric Companies (“Companies”) have filed their Integrated Grid Planning Report (“IGP Report”) with the Commission. The IGP Report describes the Companies’ new approach to power system planning. The Commission has opened Docket No. 2018-0165 to investigate the IGP Report, and to ensure that the planning process is conducted in a timely, transparent, and collaborative manner, by providing guidance and directives where necessary and appropriate.

PUC Opens Proceeding to Investigate Establishment of Microgrid Services Tariff

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has opened a new proceeding to investigate the establishment of a microgrid services tariff.

PUC Issues Final Decision for Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. Rate Request

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, in a 3-0 decision issued its Final Decision and Order approving a rate increase and revised rate schedules and rules for Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. (“HELCO”).

PUC Approves Rate Decrease for Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.

In a 3-0 decision, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission today issued its Final Decision and Order approving a rate decrease for Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.

PUC Initiates Response Plan to Address Shutdown of Puna Geothermal Power Plant on Hawai‘i Island

The PUC has asked the Hawaiian Electric Companies and Hawaiʻi Energy to take immediate steps to respond to the economic, reliability, and renewable energy impacts created by the natural disaster.

PUC Invites Public Comment on the Hawaiian Electric Companies’ Roadmap for Electric Vehicles

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission invites public comment on the HECO Companies’ Electrification of Transportation Roadmap. The Roadmap describes the HECO Companies’ strategy to support a transition of Hawaii’s ground transportation system from fossil-fuel dependence to one based on an abundance of renewable energy.

PUC Approves Hawaiian Telcom and Cincinnati Bell’s Joint Application for Transfer of Indirect Control

In a 3-0 decision, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“PUC” or “Commission”) today granted, subject to certain conditions imposed by the Commission, Hawaiian Telcom, Inc., Hawaiian Telcom Services Company, Inc., and Wavecom Solutions Corporation (collectively, “Hawaiian Telcom”) and Cincinnati Bell lnc.’s (“Cincinnati Bell”) (collectively, Hawaiian Telcom and Cincinnati Bell are referred to as the “Applicants”) Joint Application to Transfer Indirect Control of Hawaiian Telcom to Cincinnati Bell (the “Transfer of Control”).

PUC Opens Proceeding to Investigate Performance-Based Regulation for the Hawaiian Electric Companies

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”) has opened a proceeding to investigate performance-based regulation for the Hawaiian Electric Companies. Performance-based regulation (“PBR”) includes a set of alternative regulatory mechanisms intended to focus utilities on performance and desired outcomes, such as increased renewable energy, lower cost, and improved customer service.

Approving the Parties’ Stipulated Settlement on Remaining Issues Filed March 5, 2018

By this Order the commission accepts and approves the “Parties Stipulated Settlement on Remaining Issues,” filed March 5, 2018, which resolves all remaining issues in this proceeding, as set forth in Order No. 35281, except for Amended sub-issue No. 4(a)

PUC Opens Investigation of Federal Tax Legislation’s Impact on Public Utilities in Hawaii

The Public Utilities Commission has opened a new proceeding to investigate the impact of the recently signed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 on regulated utilities in Hawaii. The Commission intends to ensure that Hawaii customers benefit from lower federal tax rates on their utility bills.

PUC Expands Options for Customers to Install Rooftop Solar and Energy Storage

In a Decision and Order issued today, the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission approved two new programs that will expand opportunities for customers to install rooftop solar and battery energy storage systems, while clarifying terms of existing programs to provide greater certainty for customers who have already invested in a rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system.

October 16, 2017 Response from Alan Oshima, President and CEO of HECO, Regarding HEI New Subsidiary Pacific Current

Alan Oshima, President and CEO of Hawaiian Electric Company, responds to the October 2, 2017 letter from Chair Iwase regarding Pacific Current’s agreement to purchase the Hamakua Energy Partners’ power plant on Hawaii Island.

Letter to Alan Oshima, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hawaiian Electric Company (“HECO”), Regarding HEI New Subsidiary Pacific Current

The Commission received a press release issued by Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (“HEI”), dated September 20, 2017, stating that HEI has established a new subsidiary, Pacific Current, which has agreed to purchase the Hamakua Energy Partners (“HEP”) power plant on Hawaii Island, “for an undisclosed price.” The HEP power plant provides energy and capacity services to Hawaii Electric Light Co., Inc. (“HELCO”) under a power purchase agreement which is in effect and expires in 2030. In response to HEI’s recent announcement, the Commission, on October 2, 2017, issued written questions to HECO, to assist the Commission in determining whether the HEP power purchase agreement between HELCO and its affiliate Pacific Current is in furtherance of the public interest.

PUC Encourages the Public to Stay Safe by Doing Business Only with PUC Certified Motor Carriers

February 2, 2017 – The Hawai’i Public Utilities Commission’s (“PUC”) reminds the public that its enforcement officers continue to be on the road at unannounced times statewide to ensure that motor carriers are in compliance with state laws and rules. High-traffic tourist attraction areas such as Kailua, Oahu and Hana, Maui are among the patrolled areas.

Development of Rules for Water and Wastewater Service

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulates privately-owned water and sewage treatment utilities in Hawaii. (The Commission does not regulate municipal water and wastewater utility services provided by local city and county governments.)

Performance Based Regulation (PBR)

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”) has opened a proceeding to investigate performance-based regulation for the Hawaiian Electric Companies. Performance-based regulation (“PBR”) includes a set of alternative regulatory mechanisms intended to focus utilities on performance and desired outcomes, such as increased renewable energy, lower cost, and improved customer service.

PUC Reforms Energy Programs to Support Future Sustainable Growth in Hawaii Rooftop Solar Market

With a Decision and Order issued on October 12, 2015, the Hawaii PUC has established reforms through a collaborative process that will support further sustainable growth in the market for rooftop solar systems and other distributed energy resources (“DER”) desired by Hawaii’s residents and businesses.

PUC Orders Action Plans to Achieve State’s Energy Goals

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) announced four major decisions and orders that collectively provide key policy, resource planning, and operational directives to the Hawaiian Electric Companies (HECO Companies).