Consumer Advocacy – Public Utilities (DCA)

On December 23, 2020, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) issued a decision and order approving a new performance-based regulatory framework (PBR Framework) for the Hawaiian Electric Companies. The concept is easy to understand. The actual implementation mechanisms are extremely complex. The essence of PBR is to incentivize the utility with a system that rewards ...
Read More New Performance-Based Regulatory (PBR) Framework

The State of Hawai’i is committed to net negative carbon emissions by 2045. The purpose of the proposed eBus Pilot is three-fold fold: A. Develop ways for Hawaiian Electric to support make-ready infrastructure, B. Enable and accelerate the electrification of bus fleets in Hawaiian Electric service territories, and C. Improve renewable energy integration through bus ...
Read More Electric Bus (eBus) Make-Ready Infrastructure Pilot Project (Docket No. 2020-0098)

The Public Utilities Commission will hold a virtual public hearing relating to the application of Launiupoko Irrigation Co., LLC, for approval of a temporary rate increase for non-potable (irrigation) water services in the Launiupoko area (Docket No. 2020-0089). The PUC will host the virtual hearing through WebEx for online and telephonic participation by all interested ...
Read More January 7 – Public Hearing for Application of Launiupoko Irrigation Co., LLC for a Temporary Rate Increase (Docket No. 2020-0089)

The University of Hawai‘i and Hawaiian Electric have agreed to collaborate on an innovative renewable energy initiative to help the university achieve its netzero energy goal and bring online more cost-effective, renewable energy resources to benefit the entire state. Key elements of the proposed program include: The university will provide a project location at no ...
Read More University of Hawaiʻi and Hawaiian Electric agree on ‘green tariff’ to benefit campuses and community (Docket No. 2020-0204)

Hawaiian Telcom intends to discontinue the provision of intrastate wireless telecommunications service on a resold basis in the State of Hawaii effective March 15, 2021. Initial notification letters to affected customers are being sent starting today, and future notifications via letter, e-mail, text messages and bill messages are planned from mid- December 2020 through March ...
Read More Hawaiian Telcom’s Intent to Discontinue Wireless Telecommunications Services in the State of Hawaii

Hawaiian Electric and Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) have reached agreement on an amended contract that will significantly lower electric bills on Hawaii Island, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand the island’s renewable portfolio standard to nearly 70 percent. The amended power purchase agreement was filed with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on Dec. 31, 2019 ...
Read More Hawaiian Electric, Puna Geothermal Venture reach new agreement to reduce cost, expand output (Docket No. 2019-0333)

HECO, MECO, and HELCO are seeking approval for several Purchase Power Agreements. What is a Purchase Power Agreement?  It’s a contract between two parties, one which generates electricity (the seller) and one which is looking to purchase electricity (the buyer-typically a utility). Contractual terms may last anywhere between 5 and 20 years, during which time ...
Read More Hawaii Electric Companies Seek Approval for Purchase Power Agreements

Young Brothers’ has submitted an application to the Hawai’i Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for approval of its new cost of service model pursuant to Order No. 37280 Addressing Young Brothers, LLC’s Request for Emergency or Temporary Rate Relief in Docket No. 2019-0117. The DCA submitted a preliminary statement of position stating that due to many ...
Read More Young Brothers’ Application for New Cost of Service Model (Docket 2020-0135)

Hawaiian Electric’s walk-in payment centers in Honolulu, Kahului, Hilo, Kona and Molokaʽi, closed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, will permanently shut their doors due to declining use and customers adapting to other payment options.   The Division of Consumer Advocacy encourages the public to file comments on the matter. Specifically, whether it is ...
Read More Hawaiian Electric Permanently Closes Walk-In Payment Centers

https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/dbedt-news-release-hawaii-business-and-events-recognized-for-green-practices/ A resort on Hawaii Island that converted its gasoline-powered canal boats to electric propulsion, a Maui resort that increased its photovoltaic rooftop array to 2,138 panels to produce clean power, and another that switched to using municipally treated greywater to irrigate 14 acres of its property grounds are among the recipients of this year’s ...
Read More DBEDT: HAWAII BUSINESS AND EVENTS RECOGNIZED FOR GREEN PRACTICES