HEI Withdraws Request for Natural Gas Generation Upgrades

Big Island Now stock photo. July 2016.

Following the termination of the proposed merger with NextEra Energy, the Hawaiian Electric Companies today withdrew its applications for approval of a liquefied natural gas contract with Fortis Hawaii Energy Inc., plans to upgrade Kahe Power Plant to use natural gas, and a waiver from competitive bidding to upgrade the plant.

Because of the resources these specific combined projects required, one condition of the LNG contract was approval of the proposed merger with NextEra Energy.

On Monday, July 18, NextEra Energy announced it would no longer pursue the merger after the application was dismissed without prejudice by the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission.

“We’re committed to transitioning to 100% renewable energy in the most cost-effective way possible while ensuring reliable service,” said Ron Cox, Hawaiian Electric vice president of power supply. “We’ll continue to evaluate all options to modernize generation using a cleaner fuel to bring price stability and support adding renewable energy for our customers.”

Hawaiian Electric remains focused on the path it has continued to pursue throughout the merger process: to stabilize and reduce energy costs while becoming more innovative, and taking advantage of new technologies to deliver greater customer value and choice, HEI stated in a press release.