The state of Hawaii’s Public Utilities Commission is demanding that the Hawaiian Electric Companies make significant improvements to lower rates and fix poor service. The PUC issued a statement that Hawaiian Electric Companies ratepayers “are growing increasingly frustrated by high electric rates and poor customer service. HECO companies lack a strategic and sustainable business model to address technological changes and increasing customer expectations.” Michael Champley, the PUC Commissioner, added, “The HECO companies need to employ sound business practices focused on customer value. Hawaii should have financially healthy electric utilities; however, attractive financial returns are not a utility entitlement. Instead, excellent utility performance with affordable rates and superior customer service should drive utility financial performance.”
One of the main challenges facing the Hawaiian Electric Companies is their reliance on burning oil to create energy. In 2012, only 14 percent of the electricity came from renewable energy sources.
HECO executive Vice President, Robbie Alm, responded by stating, “We take our responsibilities to our customers very seriously and have worked hard to live up to those responsibilities. We are continuing to make improvements, and we will take a hard look at the PUC’s concerns and look forward to working with them on these issues. With more than 50 percent of electric bills going to pay for fuel costs, we must reduce our dependence on oil to lower long-term energy costs for our customers. That means making the upfront investments in clean energy and strengthening our grids to reliably accept as much clean energy as possible.”
The Hawaiian Electric Companies is the parent of the Hawaiian Electric Company on Oahu, the Maui Electric Company on Maui, Molokai and Lanai, and the Hawaii Electric Light Company on the Big Island of Hawaii.
