Public Utilities Commission

SUSPENDED Docket No. 2017-0122 – Evidentiary hearing on Hu Honua Bioenergy

Hu Honua’s Evidentiary hearing is temporarily suspended pursuant to Order No. 38198 in light of Hu Honua’s Notice of Appeal to the Hawaii Supreme Court filed on January 24, 2022 (SCOT-22-0000024). Further details regarding the nature and duration of the docket suspension may be provided by the Commission through subsequent order. This page will be updated if an evidentiary hearing is rescheduled.

The STATE OF HAWAII PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION will hold an evidentiary hearing relating to the application of HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY, INC. for Commission approval of a power purchase agreement for renewable and dispatchable firm energy and capacity with HU HONUA BIOENERGY, LLC.

Notice to Interested Persons January 21, 2022 – Motor Carrier Applications

January 21, 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. 2022-0009 to Initiate Integrated Resource Planning for Hawaii Gas

The STATE OF HAWAII PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (“Commission”) opens Docket No. 2022-0009 to develop an integrated resource plan (“IRP”) for Hawaii Gas, dba Hawaii Gas (“Hawaii Gas”). Hawaii Gas’ IRP is intended to govern how the utility will meet energy objectives and customer energy needs consistent with State energy policies and goals, while providing safe and reliable utility service at a reasonable cost. The Commission invites individuals or entities that are interested in participating in the IRP process Advisory Group to file an application with the Commission, the details of which can be found in the Opening Order.
Links:
Docket No. 2022-0009
Opening Order: Order No. 38189

Docket No. 2021-0024 – January 21, 2022 Status Conference for HECO’s Update for AES Oahu Coal Plant Transition Plan

January 21, 2022 – The Commission is holding this Status Conference to discuss the reliability issues regarding the AES coal plant on Oahu including (1) the current reliability issues with the AES plant; (2) actions taken by AES and Hawaiian Electric to address the reliability issues; (3) timeline to resolve the current reliability issues with the AES plant; (4) plant- and unit-specific details on Hawaiian Electric’s scheduled maintenance plan for generation facilities on Oahu over the next 36 months; (5) Hawaiian Electric’s contingency plans for a situation where the AES plant continues to be offline and/or experiencing reliability issues until the expiration of its power purchase agreement with Hawaiian Electric on September 1, 2022; and (6) Hawaiian Electric’s responses to the Commission’s questions posed regarding the reliability situation on Oahu on December 31, 2021, resulting in the call to customers to conserve their electricity use (questions filed in the instant docket on January 6, 2022, responses due on January 21, 2022)

Watch the Status Conference on January 21, 2022 at 10am on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/HawaiiPublicUtilitiesCommission).

Docket No. 2018-0163 – Technical Conference for Microgrid Services Tariff – Live Streaming Info

January 14, 2022 – The Commission will hold a Technical Conference to discuss priority topics for Phase 2 of Docket No. 2018-0163.
Notice of Technical Conference on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 11:30 a.m.
Watch Live on the Commission’s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/HawaiiPublicUtilitiesCommission.

Notice to Interested Persons January 5, 2022 – Motor Carrier Applications

January 5, 2021 – NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO interested persons that the applications listed have been filed with the HAWAII PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION.

Notice to Interested Persons December 28, 2021 – Motor Carrier Applications

December 28, 2021 – NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO interested persons that the applications listed have been filed with the HAWAII PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION.

Notice of Public Hearing for Application of HECO for Construction of Overhead and Underground Line (2021-0070)

The STATE OF HAWAII PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (“Commission”) will hold a virtual public hearing relating to the application of HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC. for Commission approval to construct a 46 kilovolt (“kV”) overhead and underground line for the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant CEIP-46 46kV overhead sub-transmission line relocation project on the island of Oahu. The Commission will host the virtual hearing on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 5:30 pm through WebEx for online and telephonic participation by all interested persons. Written statements may also be emailed to the Commission.

Community Meeting for Hawaii Island Relating to Community Based Renewable Energy, Phase 2

October 27, 2021 – The STATE OF HAWAII PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (“Commission”) will hold a virtual community meeting relating to the Community Based Renewable Energy (“CBRE”), Phase 2 on Hawaii Island. The Commission will take this opportunity to hear community suggestions on how to improve the Phase 2 CBRE procurements. The Commission will host the community meeting through WebEx for online and telephonic participation by all interested persons or YouTube Live for watching. Written statements may also be emailed to the Commission.

Notice of Public Hearing for Application of Hawaii-American Water Company for a General Rate Increase (2021-0063)

The STATE OF HAWAII PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (“Commission”) will hold a virtual public hearing relating to the application of HAWAII-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, for Commission approval of a general rate increase for wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal services to residents, condominiums, and commercials establishments in the Hawaii Kai area on the island of Oahu. The Commission will host the virtual hearing on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at 5:30 pm through WebEx for online and telephonic participation by all interested persons or YouTube Live for watching. Written statements may also be emailed to the Commission.

Notice of Public Hearing for Kalaeloa Water Company Rate Case (2021-0005)

The STATE OF HAWAII PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (“Commission”) will hold a virtual public hearing relating to the application of KALAELOA WATER COMPANY, LLC. (“KWC”) for Commission approval of a general rate increase and revised rules, regulations, and rates. The Commission will host the virtual hearing on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. through WebEx for online and telephonic participation by all interested persons. Written statements may also be emailed to the Commission.

Notice of Public Hearing for Application of HECO Construction of Overhead Transmission Line (2020-0182)

The STATE OF HAWAII PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (“Commission”) will hold a virtual public hearing relating to the amended application of HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC. (“HECO”) requesting, among other things, a Commission determination that the proposed 46 kilovolt transmission lines shall be allowed to be constructed above and below the surface of the ground for the Kulanihakoi Substation Project. The Commission will host the virtual hearing on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. through WebEx for online and telephonic participation by all interested persons. Written statements may also be emailed to the Commission.

Mandatory 10-digit Local Dialing

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission would like to remind you that the mandatory 10-digit local dialing will start on October 24, 2021. All local calls, including those on the same island, will require that you dial area code 808 before the telephone number.

Notice of Oahu Community Meeting relating to Community Based Renewable Energy, Phase 2

The STATE OF HAWAII PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (“Commission”) will hold a virtual community meeting relating to the Community Based Renewable Energy (“CBRE”), Phase 2 on Oahu, to hear community suggestions on how to improve the Phase 2 CBRE procurements. The Commission will host the community meeting through WebEx for online and telephonic participation by all interested persons on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at 6:30 pm. Written statements may also be emailed to the Commission.

Notice of Evidentiary Hearing for Application of Maui Electric Company, Limited for Approval of Power Purchase Agreement with Kahana Solar, LLC (Docket No. 2020-0142)

The State of Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“Commission”) will hold a virtual evidentiary hearing on Maui Electric’s application for approval of a power purchase agreement with Kahana Solar, LLC, which is proposed to be built in Napili-Honokowai, on the island of Maui. The Commission will host the evidentiary hearing virtually on Tuesday-Wednesday, September 14-15, 2021, beginning at 9:00 a.m. each day, through Webex. While only hearing participants will be able to access the Webex hearing, the Commission will be live streaming the hearing through YouTube, which can be access via the links below:

• Day 1 – September 14, 2021 (https://YouTube.com/watch?v=SXgvv0xCgyc)
• Day 2 – September 15, 2021 (https://YouTube.com/watch?v=wB9id8iyKUU)

Additional information about this proceeding can be found in Docket No. 2020-0142 on the Commission’s Document Management System (DMS).

Notice of Public Hearing for Application of Launiupoko Irrigation Co., LLC for a General 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 general rate increase for non-potable (irrigation) water services in the Launiupoko area on the island of Maui. The Commission will host the virtual hearing on Monday, September 13, 2021, at 5:30 pm through WebEx for online and telephonic participation by all interested persons. Written statements may also be emailed to the Commission.

Informational Briefing on Hoʻomaka Hou June 22, 2020 Incident, Hilo, Hawaii

The Commission will hold an Informational Briefing on the investigation into the Hoʻomaka Hou June 22, 2020 Incident in Hilo, Hawaii, conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard, National Transportation Safety Board, and Young Brothers LLC. Presentations of findings will be made by representatives from each agency and from Young Brothers, and will be followed by questions from the Division of Consumer Advocacy and the Commission.

Watch the Informational Briefing live on Friday, July 9, 2021, at 10:00 am on YouTube Live (https://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=RLgpuMZGGzk).

Status Conference to Discuss the Molokai RFP and CBRE program for Molokai (2019-0178, 2015-0389)

June 29, 2021 – The Commission held a Status Conference to review Hawaiian Electric’s Molokai Request for Proposals (“Molokai Plan”), filed on March 29, 2021 (Docket No. 2019-0178), the Community-Based Renewable Energy (CBRE) program for Molokai (Docket No. 2015-0389), and stakeholders’ comments in response to these filings. Watch the Status Conference on YouTube (https://youtube.com/watch?v=oOppWORjGgk)

Status Conference to Discuss Interconnection-Related Issues for the Kapolei BESS Project (2020-0136)

June 28, 2021 – The Commission held a Status Conference to discuss interconnection-related issues regarding the Kapolei BESS Project, including the Proposed Stipulated Procedural Schedule filed jointly by the Parties and Participant on June 21, 2021, the underlying issue of the anticipated completion date of the Interconnection Requirements Amendment, and related matters regarding the remainder of the proceeding in Docket No. 2020-0136. Watch the Status Conference on YouTube Live (https://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=mpBiwEzPegI).

Status Conference on HECO’s Scheduled Dispatch Program Implementation Plan (2019-0323)

June 28, 2021 – The Commission held a Status Conference to (1) receive responses from Hawaiian Electric on questions posed by the Commission; and (2) provide docket Parties an opportunity to discuss concerns with Hawaiian Electric’s Scheduled Dispatch Program Implementation Plan. Watch the Status Conference on YouTube (https://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=omGAuL5COTo).

Status Conference to Discuss HECO’s Plans for the Retirement of the AES Coal Plant (2021-0024)

June 21, 2021 – The Commission held a Status Conference to receive a number of updates, as well as to ask follow-up questions of Hawaiian Electric in response to recently-issued Commission information requests, related to system reliability and planning surrounding the retirement of the AES coal plant on Oahu.

Watch the Status Conference on YouTube (https://www.Youtube.com/watch?v=d0gRmQ1Jxx0).

PUC Approves Portfolio of Performance Mechanisms for Hawaiian Electric

The PUC issued a decision and order approving a portfolio of new Performance Incentive Mechanisms, Scorecards, and Reported Metrics. The portfolio of performance mechanisms goes into effect today, June 1, 2021. Performance Mechanisms are key components of the Performance-Based Regulation (PBR) Framework for the Hawaiian Electric Companies, which will automatically provide approximately $69.9 million in total rate reductions through 2025.

PUC Approves Additional Performance Mechanisms for the Hawaiian Electric Companies

On May 17, 2021, the Public Utilities Commission approved the final details to complete an initial suite of Performance Mechanisms, Scorecards, and Reported Metrics for the Performance-Based Regulatory Framework governing the Hawaiian Electric Companies. The Commission previously approved the overall Framework on December 23, 2020.

These Performance Mechanisms will provide additional incentives for the Hawaiian Electric Companies to reduce costs while accelerating clean energy benefits for customers and the State of Hawaii.

Status Conference on HECO’s Transition Plan for the Retirement of the Kahului Power Plant (2021-0024)

April 13, 2021 – The Commission is holding this Status Conference to (1) receive an update from Hawaiian Electric and Clearway Energy Group on the status of discussions regarding the Miliani I Solar and Waiawa Solar projects; (2) review Hawaiian Electric’s responses to Commission questions regarding the Transition Plan for the Retirement of the Kahului Power Plant; and (3) receive an update from the Hawaii State Energy Office regarding the Powering Past Coal Task Force.

Watch the Status Conference live Tuesday, 4/13/2021, at 1:00pm on YouTube Live (https://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=gGXzC39KYcY).

PUC extends the suspension of termination or disconnection of regulated utility services due to non-payment and/or assessment of other charges through May 31, 2021 (Order No. 37667)

On March 10, 2021, 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 May 31, 2021.

Docket No. 2021-0024 – March 16, 2021 Status Conference to Discuss Hawaiian Electric’s Initial Update regarding the AES coal plant transition plan for Oahu – 10 a.m. to noon

The Commission is holding this Status Conference to (1) review Hawaiian Electric’s Initial Status Update regarding the transition plan for the retirement of the AES coal plant on Oahu, filed on March 5, 2021, in Docket No. 2021-0024, (2) receive an update from the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) on modeling system reliability with retirement of the AES Plant, and (3) discuss action items with Phase 1 and 2 Oahu Project developers regarding acceleration of their Project commercial operations schedules by two discrete benchmarks – 3 and 6 months.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

More PUC News

More Trending Dockets

Community Based Renewable Energy (CBRE) (Docket: 2017-0352)

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”) initiated Phase 2 of the community based renewable energy program (“CBRE”) on April 9, 2020. The PUC’s goal for Phase 2 is to dramatically expand access to the economic, environmental, and societal benefits of renewable energy.

Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Policies

On September 24, 2019, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission opened a proceeding to investigate the technical, economic, and policy issues associated with distributed energy resources (“DER”) and rate design, as they pertain to the Hawaiian Electric Companies. In doing so, the Commission observed that this proceeding would continue the work begun in Docket No. 2014-0192 and Docket No. 2015-0412 which investigated policies and programs for customer-sited DER and customer grid service offerings. The proceeding is divided into three tracks, covering programmatic issues, advanced rate design, and technical issues. PUC’s Order No. 37066 established the track scopes and a procedural schedule.

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.

HELCO Provides the PUC with Quarterly Reports on PGV Facility

HELCO provided the PUC with a quarterly report regarding the status of permits and other matters related to the PGV 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.

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).

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