Hawaiian Electric Releases 15th Annual Sustainability Report

Hawaiian Electric is continuing to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions by adding additional renewable energy to its island electric grids.

The company said in a press release that it has been able to continue its efforts to address climate chance and reduce carbon emissions despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues. Hawaiian Electric’s progress on these fronts is highlighted in its 2021-22 Corporate Sustainability Report, “Taking Action on Climate Change Together,” which is now available online.

“Faced with challenges stemming from the pandemic and global supply chain issues, we were still able to lower (greenhouse gas) emissions and add more renewable energy to our island grids,” said Shelee Kimura, Hawaiian Electric president and CEO, in the press release. “We’ll continue to reduce our dependence on imported oil each year so that we’re able to stabilize energy costs for our customers.”

According to the release and the company’s report, Hawaiian Electric was able to:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 22% last year compared to 2005 baseline levels (based on preliminary data).
• Surpass 1 gigawatt of solar capacity throughout the company’s five island grids.
• Hit a consolidated renewable portfolio standard of 38% in 2021, meaning 38% of Hawaiian Electricʻs electricity sales came from renewable resources.
• Install more than 61,500 advanced meters, accounting for about 13% of customers, in less than a year.
• Log 3,555 volunteer hours among 1,556 volunteers.

Hawaiian Electricʻs 15th annual sustainability report also highlights the company’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 70% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, efforts to keep customers connected during the second year of the pandemic, initiatives to speed up electrification of transportation and programs to increase rooftop solar adoption and make renewable energy more equitable and accessible for customers.

The report also shows examples of how Hawaiian Electric partners with communities to build a more sustainable Hawaiʻi. The reportʻs power generation maps showcase more than 30 grid-scale renewable energy facilities and nearly two dozen renewable projects expected to come online during the next few years. For more information, click here.