The West Loch photovoltaic project is a major step forward in Hawaii's transformation towards a clean energy future. It will provide low-cost renewable energy and reduce overall dependence and use on fossil fuels.
Hawaiian Electric
's models show that, while energy rates may increase in the short term during the transition to renewable energy, they will be lower and less volatile than if the company continued to rely on fossil fuels for power generation. To ensure successful implementation of the plan, Hawaiian Electric must take immediate action and improve energy policies, coordinate regulatory processes, and involve strong community participation.An accelerated pilot process will support the development of new projects and innovative service offerings, while encouraging collaboration between Hawaiian Electric and local companies. The HAWAII STATE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (“the Commission”) will hold a hearing in connection with its ongoing investigation into performance-based regulation (“PBR”) for Hawaiian electric companies. This decision is a continuation of the Commission's efforts for years to transform Hawaii's energy sector and is based on the successful collaboration of a diverse group of stakeholders, including Hawaiian electric companies, state and county government agencies, clean energy companies, and non-profit organizations, who have continued to help propose, develop, and implement new ideas to facilitate this transformation. The use of renewable energy will reduce the use of oil in Hawaii to produce electricity, but it will not eliminate the need to import crude oil or refined products to Hawaii, as long as fuel is needed for land and air transportation.
Hawaiian Electric's commitment to renewable energy is detailed on the Clean Energy Hawaii page. The report highlights the programs and activities in which Hawaiian Electric participates to reduce the impact of its operations on global warming and the company's progress toward achieving its renewable energy goals. The plan foresees that the transition to renewable energy could also alleviate the energy burden of low or moderate income customers, measured by the percentage of income that low-income households spend on average on annual energy bills. Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) staff presented a proposal to adopt updated performance-based utility standards to encourage Hawaiian electric companies to cost-effectively achieve Hawaii's energy goals and save customers.
Diversifying Hawaii's energy mix by using more locally produced renewable energy at lower, more stable prices to produce electricity (and, when possible, for transportation) is the best way to help Hawaii use less oil. Explore an interactive map of proposed renewable energy zones for potential future energy projects. The IGP process brings a lot of people together to ensure that Hawaiian Electric's renewable energy sources are integrated into existing regulatory frameworks and policies. The successful integration of renewable energy sources into Hawaiian Electric's regulatory frameworks and policies requires immediate action from all stakeholders involved.
The Commission must hold a hearing in connection with its ongoing investigation into performance-based regulation (PBR) for Hawaiian electric companies. The Clean Energy Hawaii page must be updated with programs and activities that reduce the impact of Hawaiian Electric's operations on global warming. Updated performance-based utility standards must be adopted by PUC staff in order to cost-effectively achieve Hawaii's energy goals and save customers. An accelerated pilot process must be implemented in order to develop new projects and innovative service offerings while encouraging collaboration between Hawaiian Electric and local companies.
Finally, an interactive map of proposed renewable energy zones must be explored for potential future energy projects.
