Public Utilities Commission

Notice to Interested Persons February 17, 2021 – Motor Carrier Applications

February 17, 2021 – NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO interested persons that the applications listed have been filed with the HAWAII PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION.

PUC Opens Docket No. 2021-0024 to Review Hawaiian Electric Interconnection Process and Transition Plans for Retirement of Fossil Fuel Power Plants

The Commission will use this docket to transparently review and track the status of current projects, identify near-term interconnection process improvements to facilitate renewable projects under development, and elicit the best solutions to ensure a cost-effective retirement of the AES Plant on Oahu, Kahului Plant on Maui, and other fossil fuel power plants.

Notice to Interested Persons February 9, 2021 – Motor Carrier Applications

February 9, 2021 – NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO interested persons that the applications listed have been filed with the HAWAII PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION.

PUC Approves New Performance-based Regulatory Framework to Govern Hawaiian Electric Companies

December 23, 2020 – the Public Utilities Commission approved a new performance-based regulatory framework today that will reward Hawaiian Electric for exemplary performance and benefit customers but reducing costs and accelerating achievement of the State’s clean energy goals.

PUC extends the suspension of termination or disconnection of regulated utility services due to non-payment and/or assessment of other charges through March 31, 2021 (Order No. 37506)

On December 22, 2020, the Commission issued an order to extend the suspension of termination or disconnection of regulated utility services due to non-payment and/or assessment of other charges through March 31, 2021. The Commission also established Utility reporting requirements, and opened Order No. 37506 as a repository for information filed by relevant Utilities on the financial effects of the disconnection suspension and related issues on Utilities and their customers, and customer outreach efforts. To help ease the future burden of paying utility bills following the eventual end of the disconnection suspension, the Commission directs any Utility that has not already done so to develop customer payment plans for those customers with past due balances greater than sixty (60) days.

Status Conference Regarding Hawaiian Electric Plans in Anticipation of AES Plant Retirement in 2022 (Docket No. 2017-0352)

December 18, 2020, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm – The Public Utilities Commission has scheduled a virtual status conference regarding Hawaiian Electric’s plans in anticipation of the AES Plant Retirement in 2022. The agenda and link to the livestream of the Status Conference are available here.

Notice of Public Hearing for Application of Launiupoko Irrigation Co., LLC for a Temporary Rate Increase

The STATE OF HAWAII PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (“Commission”) will hold a virtual public hearing relating to the application of LAUNIUPOKO IRRIGATION CO., LLC, for Commission approval of a temporary rate increase for non-potable (irrigation) water services in the Launiupoko area. The Commission will host the virtual hearing on Thursday, January 7, 2021, at 5:30 pm via WebEx for online and telephonic participation by all interested persons. Written statements may also be emailed to the Commission.

Click here to view YouTube recording of the public hearing held on January 7, 2021 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzy-_ALXUXM&t=4331s).

Invitation to Potential Offerors December 11, 2020 – Request for Quotes for Financial and Management Audit of Young Brothers, LLC (“YB”)

December 11, 2020 – The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has released a Request for Quotes for the audit of YB’s financial and management practices.

Hawaii PUC’s new Vision, Mission, Values, and Goals and Objectives

The Hawaii PUC is pleased to share our new vision and mission statements, core values, and strategic goals and objectives.

Status Conference Regarding CBRE (2015-0389) & HECO Renewable RFP (2017-0352)

October 26, 2020 1:00pm to 3:00pm – The Public Utilities Commission has scheduled a virtual status conference regarding Docket Nos. 2015-0389, Community Based Renewable Energy (“CBRE”) docket, and 2017-0352, Hawaiian Electric Renewable Requests For Proposals docket, to address projects and programs arising from these dockets with Hawaiian Electric.

Hawaii PUC Issued a Request for Proposals for Replacement of Its Document Management System

The PUC released an RFP for a Case and Document Management System (“CDMS”) Solutions Integrator to replace its current Document Management System (DMS). The RFP was issued on October 19, 2020 on the State of Hawaii’s HIePro website.

Docket No. 2018-0088 – Hearing on the PUC’s investigation into Performance-Based Regulation

The Public Utilities Commission (“Commission”) has scheduled a virtual hearing to present questions to the Parties in the Commission’s investigation into Performance-Based Regulation (“PBR”). This hearing represents the culmination of over two years of collaborative working group meetings, workshops, briefing, and discovery, during which the Parties have developed and refined a suite of proposed regulatory mechanisms to implement the transition away from cost of service regulation towards PBR for the Commission’s review and consideration. The hearing will take place from Monday, September 21, 2020, through Wednesday, September 23, 2020, with each hearing day beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at approximately 5:00 p.m. The Commission will host the hearing through Webex for the parties, but will live-stream the hearing to the public through a separate YouTube channel.

PUC Rules on Hu Honua’s Motion for Reconsideration

On September 9, 2020, the Public Utilities Commission issued an order ruling on Hu Honua’s Motion for Reconsideration in Docket No. 2017-0122.

PUC Approves Young Brothers’ Emergency Rate Increase with Conditions to Restore Sailings, Improve Customer Service, and Undergo Independent Audit

In a decision issued on Aug. 17, 2020, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission approved Young Brothers’ emergency request to increase rates by 46 percent with several conditions over the next 12 months. As a result of the Commission’s decision, Young Brothers will resume the full “pre-COVID” sailing schedule by Sept. 1, 2020, which will restore an additional sailing from the ports of Hilo and Kahului to Honolulu.

Docket No. 2019-0117 Evidentiary Hearing on Young Brothers’ Motion for Emergency or Temporary Rate Relief – August 14, 2020

The Commission has scheduled a virtual evidentiary hearing for Young Brothers’ Motion for Emergency or Temporary Rate Relief, filed on July 7, 2020. The hearing will take place on Friday, August 14, 2020, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The Commission will host the hearing through WebEx for the parties, but will make the hearing open to public viewing through a separate YouTube channel.

Press Release – Hawaii Public Utilities Commission named SEPA’s 2020 Regulatory Innovation Power Player of the Year

HONOLULU — The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) has named the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission as its Regulatory Innovation Power Play of the Year. The Commission was among eight categories of winners in the 2020 SEPA Power Players Awards that recognizes groundbreaking efforts in project or program design, unique partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and more.

PUC Ready to Accept Electronic Filing of Confidential Documents for Non-Docketed Proceedings

The Public Utilities Commission has completed the necessary modifications to its Document Management System to allow parties/participants to electronically file non-docketed confidential information (as defined by the Commission’s protective order).

PUC Extends Deferral Date for Application and Assessment of Motor Carrier Penalties and Interest

On June 30, 2020, the Commission issued an Order announcing that it would extend the deferral period under which it will not apply or assess penalties or interest for motor carriers’ submission of annual fees and Annual Financial Reports through August 31, 2020. The Commission had previously announced a deferral of assessment and application of penalties and interest from April 30, 2020, through June 30, 2020. In light of the circumstances related to the ongoing measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission has decided to further extend this deferral period through August 31, 2020.

Docket 2020-0084 Status Conference – June 10, 2020

Young Brothers’ Presentation Docket No. 2020-0084: Public Utilities Commission Status Conference Re: Young Brothers’ Emergency Investigative Proceeding

Agenda, 2020-0084 June 10, 2020 Status Conference – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Commission June 8, 2020 Information Requests to Young Brothers

The Commission has scheduled a virtual Status Conference in this emergency investigative docket (Docket No. 2020-0084) for Wednesday, June 10, 2020, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to discuss Young Brothers’ current access to financing, as well as its contingency plans, in light of its recent filings regarding its financial condition. The Commission has provided the Status Conference agenda and public access information to remotely view the Status Conference, above.

The Commission notes that the public will be able to view, but will not be able to participate in, the Status Conference. Any person or organization seeking to file a public comment regarding the matters addressed at the Status Conference or in Docket No. 2020-0084, may do so by emailing the comment to [email protected], and including Docket No. 2020-0084 in the subject line.

PUC Order No. 37161 (Docket 2020-0084) Instituting an Emergency Investigative Proceeding Regarding Young Brothers, LLC’s Financial Condition

The Public Utilities Commission opens this docket to investigate YOUNG BROTHERS, LLC’s financial condition.

HELCO Provides the PUC with Quarterly Reports on PGV Facility

On June 1, 2020, HELCO provided the PUC with a quarterly report regarding the status of permits and other matters related to the PGV facility.

Young Brothers and Consumer Advocate File Letters With the Commission Regarding Young Brothers’ Financial Situation

On May 26, 2020, Young Brothers and the Consumer Advocate each filed letters, requesting Commission action related to Young Brothers’ current financial situation. Click on the link above for more information.

Order No. 37128 – Approval of Young Brothers’ Temporary, Emergency Changes to its Sailing Schedule

On May 4, 2020, the Commission temporarily approved Young Brothers’ emergency request to change its sailing schedules for the islands of Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii, for a 30-day period. During that time period, Young Brothers is required to submit additional information to the Commission and Consumer Advocate, which will include updates on Young Brothers’ financial condition and actions it is taking to minimize impacts on Neighbor Island customers.

Order No. 37125 – Addressing the Consumer Advocate’s Request For Suspension of Termination or Disconnection of Regulated Utility Services Due to Non-Payment and/or Assessment of Other Charges During the Covid-19 Pandemic

On May 4, 2020, the Commission issued Order No. 37125, which temporarily suspends the authority of certain PUC-regulated utilities to terminate or disconnect services due to non-payment during the COVID-19 emergency situation. The Order also requests information from the utilities to help inform future PUC decisionmaking regarding the length of the suspension.

YB Tariff Transmittal 20-0003: Requesting Approval of Emergency Changes to Its Sailing Schedule

On Friday, April 24, 2020, Young Brothers filed a tariff transmittal with the PUC asking to make changes to its weekly sailing schedule, citing the need to cut costs by reducing weekly sailings as a result of the COVID-19 emergency situation. Anyone who wants to file a public comment on this Transmittal can submit a comment by email before May 5, 2020, to [email protected], and reference YB Tariff Transmittal No. 20-0003.

PUC Temporarily Publishing Motor Carrier Applications Only on Website During COVID-19 Emergency Situation

Pursuant to the COVID-19 emergency situation and the Governor’s Emergency Proclamations, the Commission will be publishing notices of pending motor carrier applications on our website, in lieu of the publication requirement in the Commission’s administrative rules (HAR § 16-601-57(2)), which states that the notice be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the State or within the county or counties affected by the application.

PUC Ready to Accept Electronic Filing of Confidential Documents

As of Monday, March 30, 2020, the Public Utilities Commission (“Commission”) has completed the necessary modifications to its Document Management System (“DMS”) to allow parties/participants to electronically file docketed confidential and restricted information (as defined by Commission protective orders).

Statement from Hawaii Public Utilities Commission on COVID-19 Emergency

On March 13, 2020, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“PUC” or “Commission”)issued an order initiating emergency procedures in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and we have completed our transition to an all-electronic filing system and telework for all of our staff.

PUC Defers Application and Assessment of Penalties and Interest for Motor Carrier Annual Filings

On March 19, 2020, the Public Utilities Commission issued an Order announcing that it would be deferring the application and assessment of penalties and interest associated with the annual fees and Annual Filing Reports for motor carriers until July 1, 2020.

PUC Moves to All Electronic Processes

On March 13, 2020, the Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”) issued an Order setting forth Emergency Filing and Service Procedures that directs parties, participants, utilities, stakeholders, and/or other entities or individuals to file all documents with the PUC electronically.

POSTPONED: Public Hearing For Application of Lanai Water Company Requesting General Increase in Rates for Potable and Non-Potable Water Distribution Services

The STATE OF HAWAII PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (“Commission”), in light of the rapidly developing COVID-19 situation, is postponing the public hearing for Lanai Water Company, scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2020. The Commission regrets the inconvenience this may cause, but believes postponing the public hearing is prudent in light of the circumstances. The Commission will subsequently publish an amended notice of hearing providing information about the amended hearing date and location.

PUC Will Move to All Electronic Processes

The Public Utilities Commission will be issuing an Emergency Filing/Service Notification Order that directs parties, participants, utilities, and stakeholders to file all documents electronically.

Notice of Public Hearing For Application of Lanai Water Company Requesting General Increase in Rates for Potable and Non-Potable Water Distribution Services

The STATE OF HAWAII PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (“Commission”) will hold a public hearing relating to the application of LANAI WATER COMPANY, INC. for review and approval of rate increases, revisions of rate schedules, and changes to its tariff for its potable and non-potable water distribution services. The public hearing will be held on Monday, March 16, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. at the ILWU Local Hall.

HELCO Provides the PUC with Quarterly Reports on PGV Facility

On March 2, 2020, HELCO provided the PUC with a quarterly report regarding the status of permits and other matters related to the PGV facility.

Status Conference on Young Brothers’ Proposed Changes to Livestock Procedures – February 4, 2020

The Commission convened a status conference on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, at the Public Utilities Commission, 465 South King Street, #103, Hearing Room, in downtown Honolulu.

Notice of Public Hearing for Application of Hawaii Electric Light Company For Approval to Construct 69 Kilovolt Overhead Transmission Line Segments to Reconnect the Puna Geothermal Venture Generating Facility

The STATE OF HAWAII PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (“Commission”) will hold a public hearing relating to the application of HAWAII ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY (“HELCO”) for Commission approval to construct 69 kilovolt overhead transmission line segments to the Puna Geothermal Venture Generating Facility. The public hearing will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at the Pahoa Neighborhood Facility.

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).