Hawaiian Electric advances Wildfire Safety Strategy, expands grid resilience work
Hawaiian Electric today announced actions it is taking as part of its Wildfire Safety Strategy, particularly in drought-stricken areas at elevated risk for wildfires.
Hawaiian Electric today announced actions it is taking as part of its Wildfire Safety Strategy, particularly in drought-stricken areas at elevated risk for wildfires.
The nonprofit Ka Ahahui o Ka Nahelehele, which works to protect Hawaii’s dryland forests, has received a $27,500 grant from Hawaiian Electric for its Rapid Ohia Death Seed Banking Initiative, an effort to preserve seeds from the native ohia tree for future forest reforestation.
The completion of large grid-scale projects and thousands of residential solar systems provided the largest-ever annual increase in solar capacity on Hawaiian Electric’s five island systems.
The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved Hawaiian Electric’s plan to own and operate four potential EVohana sites on Maui that will offer lower charging rates incentivizing EV drivers to plug in during the day when solar energy is abundant.
Seven high school and three middle school robotics teams earned top honors among 37 teams from Hawaii Island, Maui, and Oahu at Hawaiian Electric’s Hawaii State VEX Robotics Championships held Jan. 11 at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Hawaiian Electric is in exploratory discussions with Pulama Lanai about the possible sale of the Lanai utility. Any transaction would require the approval of the PUC and would include public discussions with Lanai businesses and residents to ensure that the transaction is in the public interest.
Hawaiian Electric and Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) have reached agreement on an amended contract that will significantly lower electric bills on Hawaii Island, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand the island’s renewable portfolio standard to nearly 70 percent.