The Public Utilities Commission approved the interim agreement on Monday, which allows MECO to raise rates on Maui, Molokai and Lanai by an average of 3.2 percent, or $13.1 million. The increase reflects a previously owned agreement between MECO and the state Division of Consumer Advocacy. The PUC will continue to review details of the […]
MECO Roadblocks Residents’ Solar While Soliciting Big Renewable Projects (?!)
MECO to bring in renewables, change gridMaui NewsKAHULUI – Renewable energy will be a big part of Maui Electric Co.’s future, with plenty of room for serious investors and partners, said outgoing President Ed Reinhardt. Near-term projects include plans to seek a developer to help produce between 20 … Study requirements for solar systems […]
Is Avoided Cost to blame for high electric rates?
By Henry Curtis Synopsis: Utilities talk about energy prices but hide the data, making it impossible to verify whether public utilities are really concerned about the public or instead are more concerned about their bottom line. Robbie Alm (HECO) spoke to the Democratic Party Environmental Caucus on July 18, 2011. On the tape at 21:10 […]
What is the relative cost of different types of electricity?
By Henry Curtis Synopsis: Only HECO and regulators are permitted to know the comparative costs of different types of energy. HECO presented an “Oahu Energy Price Comparison” at a somewhat public Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) Plenary Session (May 2, 2011). The document labeled “Confidential – Limited Distribution” is posted on the HCEI website. The […]
PUC Waffles on Extra Costs for Residents Installing PV
HAWAI‘I PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 465 SOUTH KING STREET, ROOM 103 HONOLULU, HAWAI‘I 96813 PHONE: (808) 586-2020 FAX: (808) 586-2066 E-MAIL: Hawaii.PUC@hawaii.gov WEBSITE: www.hawaii.gov/budget/puc NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION APPROVES NEW RULES FOR INTERCONNECTION TO THE HECO COMPANIES’ DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM HONOLULU – In a Decision and Order issued today, the Hawaii Public Utilities […]
Gov. Waivering on Michael Champley for Next PUC Term
Maui resident, Michael Champley was appointed to serve out a term but rumors are that Gov. Abercrombie is debating whether to appoint him to the next term. Here’s what Blue Planet says about Champley: Champley has shared his expertise as a policy consultant for Blue Planet Foundation for more than two years, mostly advising on […]