Hawaii looks to expand renewable electric capacity

In Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric Company has proposed plans for Hawaii’s energy future that will lower electric bills, give customers more service options and nearly triple the amount of distributed solar while achieving the highest level of renewable energy in the nation by 2030. Plans include expanding solar and wind capacity, as well as utilizing more liquefied natural gas (LNG). The companies’ planned state-of the-art electric systems for Oahu, Maui County, and Hawaii Island will form the foundation for this new energy future.

Currently, in Hawaii, more than 18 percent of the electricity used by customers comes from renewable resources, ahead of the state goal of 15 percent by 2015. HEI supplies power to approximately 450,000 customers or 95% of Hawaii’s population through its electric utilities, Hawaiian Electric, Hawaii Electric Light and Maui Electric.