#Public Utilities Commission

Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids now account for 15% of new vehicle registrations; utility continues work to enhance charging equipment reliability.

The Public Utilities Commission regulates all chartered, franchised, certificated and registered public utility companies operating in the state.

The Backup Power Rebate Program would provide eligible customers a rebate of up to $500 for the purchase of a portable generator and up to $1,000 for the purchase of a portable battery.

Hawaiian Electric has achieved a landmark in clean energy by exceeding 1 gigawatt of customer-sited rooftop solar and battery storage, showcasing one of the nation’s highest rooftop solar integration rates.

A joint letter submitted to the state’s Public Utilities Commission filed on June 3 informed the commissioners that Hawaiian Electric received an offer to sell energy and capacity by Hu Honua as a Qualified Facility under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act.

Under the project, 12 aging generating units will be replaced with three modern generators to produce more power while decreasing its emissions footprint and electric costs to customers.

The State of Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission is holding hearings around the neighbor islands where the public can weigh in on a proposed temporary rate increase and tariff changes by the shipping company Young Brothers.

The Punaluʻu Water and Sanitation utility has not raised rates in nearly 50 years and said without rate increases it will not be able to continue to provide water and sewer to its customers.

On Thursday, the Public Utilities Commission, which oversees rates, is holding a public hearing online about the matter at 6 p.m.

The shipping company is asking the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission for the additional revenue to cover significant spikes in service costs, support critical investments in equipment and infrastructure upgrades and sustain vital interisland services. 

A letter signed by three senators highlighted the Public Utilities Commission’s investigatory powers and requested the commission conduct investigations.

Utility scams tend to increase over the busy holidays and in the aftermath of disasters.

Residents vented numerous concerns Thursday night during a public meeting to discuss the new draft Environmental Impact Statement for Puna Geothermal Venture’s proposed “Repower Project.”

Hawaiian Electric is seeking regulatory approval of its Integrated Grid Plan.

Mayor Mitch Roth said Tuesday that his request for an energy emergency declaration wasn’t just for Hawai’i Island, it was for the entire state.

Hawaiian Electric received approval to move forward with a pilot program that will encourage the growth of electric bus fleets by helping bus operators reduce the upfront cost of installing charging equipment on O‘ahu, Maui and Hawai‘i Island.

Gov. David Ige has appointed Leo R. Asuncion, Jr. to the Public Utilities Commission.

Customers of Hawaiian Electric Company will see their bills fall as the result of an updated base-rate adjustment approved by the Public Utilities Commission.

In the complaint, Hu Honua asked the PUC to investigate Hawai’i Electric Light’s termination of a Power Purchase Agreement.

In the detailed plan, Hawaiian Electric hopes to have the Big Island reaching 100 percent renewable energy by the year 2040, ten years behind Moloka’i and Lāna’i and five years ahead of the statewide goal of 2045.