Public Utilities Commission

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) Related Information Order No. 35335  – Approving the Parties’ Stipulated Settlement on Remaining Issues Filed […]

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. Related Information Press Release Order No 35241 Opening […]

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. Related Information […]

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.

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 […]

HONOLULU – After receiving input from stakeholders and the public, the HECO Companies filed their Final Grid Modernization Strategy with the Commission on August 29, 2017. The Commission has opened Docket No. 2017-0226 to serve as a repository for the HECO Companies’ Final Grid Modernization Strategy and any comments from the public.

This April marks the 10th annual National Safe Digging Month, reminding Hawaii excavators to always call 811 before any digging project. In Hawaii, all excavators planning to conduct an excavation on public or applicable private property are required to notify the One Call Center, by calling 811, of the excavation at least five working days […]

In support of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commission’s (“NARUC”) resolution supporting the Environmental Protection Agency’s (“EPA”) WaterSense “Fix-a-Leak Week”, March 20 – 26, 2017, the Hawai’i Public Utilities Commission encourages the adoption of programs and the offering of products that promote water efficiency, and to find and fix leaks to save water in […]

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.

The PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION of the STATE OF HAWAII (“Commission”) pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes (“HRS”) §§ 269-12 and 269-16, HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that it will hold public hearings relating to the Application of HAWAII ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY, INC. (“HELCO”), filed on September 19, 2016, for Approval of Rate Increases and Revised Rate Schedules and […]

On Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, Commissioners Lorraine Akiba and Thomas Gorak along with the Hawaii Energy team joined Governor Ige as he proclaimed the day as Hawaii Energy Efficiency Day. Hawaii celebrated the inaugural National Energy Efficiency day as a part of the National Energy Awareness Month in October. To learn more about what you […]

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“PUC” or “Commission”) issued an order on Friday, September 16, 2016, instructing the Hawaiian Electric Companies (the “HECO Companies”) to offer a tariff giving customers the option of enrolling in a new time-of-use (“TOU”) program, which allows customers to manage their electricity consumption to reduce monthly bills and benefits the […]

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“Commission”) invites all interested persons to submit written comments to the Commission on Sea Link of Hawaii, Inc.’s (“Sea Link”) request to voluntarily surrender its Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (“CPCN”) to operate as a water carrier of passengers and property between the islands of Oahu, Molokai, and Maui. […]

HONOLULU – In a 2-0 decision, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“PUC” or “Commission”) today dismissed without prejudice the Hawaiian Electric Companies (“HECO Companies”) and NextEra Energy’s (“NextEra”) (collectively, the HECO Companies and NextEra are referred to as the “Applicants”) Joint Application for the Change of Control (“Application” or “Change of Control”). Commissioner Thomas C. […]

HONOLULU – In a 2-0 decision, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“PUC” or “Commission”) today dismissed without prejudice the Hawaiian Electric Companies (“HECO Companies”)[i] and NextEra Energy’s (“NextEra”) (collectively, the HECO Companies and NextEra are referred to as the “Applicants”) Joint Application for the Change of Control (“Application” or “Change of Control”). Commissioner Thomas C. […]

As Chair of the Public Utilities Commission, I am disappointed with several recent events that affect new renewable energy projects in the Hawaiian Electric Companies’ (“HECO Companies”) service territories.

The Public Utilities Commission began its formal evidentiary hearings on issues related to the proposed change of control of the Hawaiian Electric Companies[1] and NextEra Energy filed in Docket No. 2015-0022 on November 30, 2015. The Commission recessed its hearings on December 16, 2015. The Commission will resume its formal evidentiary beginning on February 1, […]

The PUC’s Maui District Office has moved to One Main Plaza 2200 Main Street, Suite 540 Wailuku, Hawaii 96793 The new Maui Fax Number is 808-984-8188. *Main phone number has not changed.

The State of Hawaii Public Utilities Commission is seeking respondents that will provide Program Administrator services for the Public Benefits Fee Programs. The deadline to register and submit inquiries is November 30, 2015, and proposals are due January 19, 2016.   Find the RFP at https://spo3.hawaii.gov/notices/notices/rfp-puc-15-03-1.

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. The reforms established in this Order will (1) promote rapid […]

The Public Utilities Commission (“PUC” or “Commission”) approved power purchase agreements (“PPA”) for four utility scale solar projects. Combined, these four projects will provide 137.2 megawatts (“MW”) of renewable energy. These projects and the approvals by the Commission are important steps towards achieving the goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2045. The four projects […]

Effective July 1, 2015, the Public Utilities Commission (“Commission”) has been transferred, for administrative purposes only, to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs from the Department of Budget and Finance pursuant to Act 108, Session Laws of Hawaii 2014.  The transfer is expected to ensure that the mission of the Commission is adequately supported […]

On February 27, 2015, Randy Iwase, Chair of the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission and Alan Oshima, President and CEO of Hawaii Electric Company, signed an agreement to address the present matter concerning residential interconnections and the issuance of letters of general application relating to the denial or delay of interconnection of residential rooftop photovoltaic systems […]

In order to facilitate stakeholder review of the HECO Companies’ filings, the Commission has uploaded the following electronic files to the Commission’s website. Background On August 7, 2014, the Commission opened Docket No. 2014-0183 to consolidate and review the HECO Companies’ Power Supply Improvement Plans (“PSIPs”), which had been previously ordered in three separate dockets. […]

Honolulu – The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“PUC” or “Commission”) approved, with certain conditions, a Joint Plan for the administration of the Feed-In-Tariff (FIT) program queues to address important issues and promptly move “shovel ready” projects to completion.  The FIT program is a set of standardized, published rates under which each of the HECO Companies […]

The 4th Annual Hawaii Power Summit, “Charting the New Course,” convened Hawaii’s energy sector stakeholders on December 3 and 4, 2014 to dialogue about how Hawaii can move meaningfully towards a modern 21st century power delivery system. Commissioner Lorraine Akiba delivered the keynote address, “Charting the New Course” highlighting the 4R’s: of Renewable Energy, on […]

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) yesterday denied the Hawaiian Electric Company’s (HECO) request for a waiver from the competitive bidding (CB) framework for its 15 megawatt Kahe Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Project (Kahe PV Project), thereby rendering the decision to approve the project moot in Decision and Order No. 32437 in Docket No. 2013-0360.

On October 23, 2014, Commissioner Akiba represented the State of Hawaii and participated in the World Green Energy Forum 2014 as a guest speaker for a session titled “Energy Storage System-led Paradigm Shift in Electric Power Industry.“ The forum was sponsored by the Korea Energy Economics Institute “KEEI”, a national policy research institute of the […]

Greentech Media in partnership with Caltech’s Resnick Sustainability Institute recently released a report outlining a comprehensive pathway for rebuilding California’s distribution grid. The report, titled, More Than Smart: A Framework to Make the Distribution Grid More Open, Efficient, and Resilient, outlines a clear path and framework to move from today’s centralized transmission planning infrastructure to […]

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has repealed Hawaii Administrative Rule (“HAR”) § 6-74-7, relating to ownership criteria for qualifying cogeneration and small power production facilities, because the rule has become null and void due to a revision of federal law. Notice of Repeal of Hawaii Administrative Rule § 6-74-7 Related Information HAR Chapter 6-74 – […]

Honolulu — The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“PUC” or “Commission”) is inviting public comment to provide transparency and community input in the review of the “Power Supply Improvement Plans” (“PSIPs”) and Distributed General Interconnection Plan (“DGIP”) filed by the Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. (“HECO”), Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. (“HELCO”), and Maui Electric Company, Limited […]

Honolulu – On April 28, 2014 the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“PUC” or “Commission”) ordered the Hawaiian Electric Companies (“HECO Companies”) to develop and implement major improvement action plans to aggressively pursue energy cost reductions, proactively respond to emerging renewable energy integration challenges, improve the interconnection process for customer-sited solar photovoltaic (“PV”) systems, and embrace […]

Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”) is inviting public comment on the Integrated Demand Response Portfolio Plan (“IDRPP”) filed by the Hawaiian Electric Companies (“HECO Companies”).1 The IDRPP was filed on July 28, 2014, in response to the PUC’s “Policy Statement And Order Regarding Demand Response Programs” (“DR Policy Statement”), issued on April 28, 2014. The DR […]

HONOLULU – On Friday, May 30, 2014, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”) issued an order approving the annual “sales decoupling” tariff filings for the Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc., the Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc., and the Maui Electric Company, Limited. Press Release Related Information Order No. 31289 – INITIATING INVESTIGATION; Public Utilities Commission; Docket […]

(Washington, DC – May 6, 2014) The Association for Demand Response & Smart Grid (ADS) announced today this year’s recipients of its Demand Response and Smart Grid Leadership Awards. The recipients are Audrey Zibelman, Chair, New York Department of Public Service; Ann Berwick, Chair, Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities; Kelly Speakes-Backman, Commissioner, Maryland Public Service […]

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). The orders require the HECO Companies to develop and implement major improvement action plans to aggressively pursue energy cost reductions, proactively respond to emerging renewable energy […]

By Kate Zerrenner – Hawaii recently topped the national rankings for energy saving initiatives for the second year in a row. In August, the Energy Services Coalition (ESC) granted the state its ‘Race to the Top’ award for modeling excellence in energy and water efficiency. ESC’s Race to the Top challenge ranks states based on […]

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”) issued yesterday a set of orders: (1) addressing the Final Oahu 200 megawatts (“MW”) Renewable Energy Request For Proposal (“RFP”) by Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. (“HECO”) and giving specific guidance on changes to the RFP; (2) opening an investigation to determine whether an Oahu-Maui Interisland Transmission System […]

Noting that ratepayers at each of the HECO Companies are growing increasingly frustrated by high electric rates and poor customer service, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (Commission) issued three orders affecting rates and the ratemaking process for the Hawaiian Electric Companies1 on Friday, May 31, 2013. “Taken together, the decisions are intended to hold the […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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.

HONOLULU — Today, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) announced that it was forced to open a proceeding on Monday to consider giving temporary rate increases to two regulated water utilities and one regulated sewer utility on Molokai, because the utilities stated that they are unable to adequately fund their operations and plan to cease […]