Consumer Advocacy – Public Utilities (DCA)

Hawaiian Electric will host six hybrid community workshops across Oahu starting Oct. 24 to seek input on where microgrids can support energy resilience and what areas may be suitable for potential grid-scale renewable generation.

The recent destruction caused by hurricanes Ian and Fiona underscores the need to strengthen the resilience of local communities as climate change fuels more severe weather events.

The public is invited to help Hawaiian Electric identify areas on Oahu that may benefit from developing microgrids, which can improve energy resilience in areas prone to prolonged outages during bad weather. Microgrids are connected to the grid but can operate independently during an outage to continue providing electricity through a variety of resources including solar panels, a battery and/or backup generator.
Hawaiian Electric will also seek input on areas suitable for renewable energy projects, and document feedback on the potential for renewable generation on Oahu.

The events will start with an open house from 6:30 to 7 p.m. (in-person only) followed by a hybrid community workshop (in-person and virtual) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. See dates and locations below:

Ko‘olauloa Moku (Waimea – Ka‘a‘awa)
Monday, Oct. 24, at Kahuku Elementary School

Waiʻanae Moku (Nānākuli – Keawaʻula)
Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Agnes Kalanihoʻokahā Community Learning Center

Kona Moku (Moanalua – East Honolulu)
Tuesday, Nov. 1, at Kapiʻolani Community College

Waialua Moku (Ka‘ena – Kapaeloa)
Thursday, Nov. 3, at Waialua Elementary School

Ko‘olaupoko Moku (Waimānalo – Kualoa)
Tuesday, Nov. 15, at Windward Community College

ʻEwa Moku (Honouliuli – Hālawa)
Thursday, Nov. 17, at Leeward Community College

To join the workshops via Zoom, go to hawaiianelectric.com/communitymeetings for a meeting link. The workshops also will be livestreamed and recorded on respective ‘Ōlelo community media channels.