HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE SCHEDULES COMMUNITY MEETINGS ON UTILITY MODEL STUDY

For Immediate Release: June 12, 2018

HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) will host a series of community meetings across the state starting tomorrow to gather community input for the second phase of a study being done on future models for utility ownership and regulation in Hawaii.

The latest round of community meetings will focus on the future of electric utility regulatory models, including performance-based regulation and the role the Public Utilities Commission plays in achieving state energy goals. The first series of community meetings held last October addressed the issue of utility ownership.

HSEO, a division of the State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), is undertaking the study at the request of the Hawaii State Legislature to evaluate the costs and benefits of various electric utility ownership models, as well as the viability of various utility regulatory approaches to help Hawaii in achieving its energy goals. The study will examine scenarios for each of Hawaii’s counties.

HSEO has contracted with Boston-based London Economics International (LEI) to carry out the study, which is expected to be completed by January 2019. LEI and subcontractor Meister Consultants Group will lead the community meetings for June 13-22. The meeting schedule is as follows:

Honolulu County:

Kauai County:

Maui County:

Hawaii County:

Community members planning on attending the meetings are encouraged to RSVP at the link above. Light refreshments will be served. Those unable to attend a meeting in person can view a copy of the material presented, which will be posted on HSEO’s website energy.hawaii.gov/utility-model after the meetings, and may participate by submitting feedback via email to: [email protected]. Questions about the meetings or the study can be emailed to the same address.

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ABOUT HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE
The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is a division of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. With the state’s goal to reach 100 percent renewable energy generation by 2045, HSEO is leading the state’s charge toward clean energy independence. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawaii’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawaii port as a leader in clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth.

For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

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