The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission regulates four electric and one gas utility company in the State.
Electric Utilities
The Commission regulates four electric utility companies engaged in the production, purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electric energy in the State. Each of Hawaii’s six main islands has its own electrical grid, not connected to any other island. Collectively, HECO, MECO and HELCO are known as the “HECO Companies” and serve about 95% of the State’s population. KIUC on the island of Kauai serve about 5%. The islands of Niihau and Kahoolawe do not have electric utility service.
Regulated Electric Utilities
- Hawaii Electric Light Company (“HELCO”), serving the island of Hawaii
- Hawaiian Electric Company (“HECO”), serving the island of Oahu
- Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (“KIUC”), serving the island of Kauai
- Maui Electric Company (“MECO”), serving the islands of Maui, Lanai, and Molokai
Utility Gas
The Commission regulates the production, conveyance, transmission, and delivery of gas. When the gas pipelines deliver fuel directly to a property, this service is called “utility gas” and is regulated by the Commission. However, sales of gases in cylinders (for example, propane, medical, and industrial gases) are not regulated by the Commission.
Hawaii’s only utility gas provider, The Gas Company (dba Hawaii Gas), serves customers in its six gas districts: Honolulu, Hawaii Island, Maui, Mokokai, Lanai, and Kauai.
Updated 8/2021