AES-CEIP 2 138 kV Overhead Transmission Line Relocation

On December 30, 2016, Hawaiian Electric, Inc. ("Hawaiian Electric") filed an application in Docket No. 2016-0439 requesting a Public Utilities Commission ("Commission"): (1) approval in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 2.3(g)(2) of the Commission's General Order No. 7 to commit funds in excess of $2,500,000; and (2) determination that the relocated section of 138 kilovolt ("kV") transmission line be constructed above the surface of the ground, pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes 269-27.6.

Hawaiian Electric, Kapolei Properties ("KPD"), and Aina Nui Corporation ("Aina") had begun negotiations in 2004 for the alignment and required easement for the AES-CEIP 2 138 kV overhead transmission line. During the negotiations, Hawaiian Electric, KPD, and Aina acknowledged that planned mass grading would take place in the proposed location of this 138 kV overhead transmission line, as part of the construction of a regional drainage channel and the Kapolei Harborside development. At the time that this transmission line was required, KPD and Aina were not firm on their development plans. Therefore, in the easement negotiations with KPD and Aina, it was agreed that Hawaiian Electric would relocate the section of the 138 kV overhead line that would conflict with their firm development plans.

As a result of these easement terms, Hawaiian Electric plans to relocate approximately 4,500 feet of the AES-CEIP 2 138 kV transmission line. The relocation will include: (1) the installation of nine new 138 kV self supporting steel poles; (2) the installation of a new section of optical ground wire ("OPGW") and 138 kV overhead conductors; (3) the removal of six existing 138 kV steel poles; and (4) the removal of an existing section of OPGW and 138 kV overhead conductors between the existing AES and CEIP transmission substations.

The project has a total estimated cost of $3,007,232. Hawaiian Electric will pay 100% of the project cost.

The nearest existing homes are more than 3,600 feet away. (The closest townhomes are in Ko Olina Fairways and the closest homes are in the Honokai Hale and Makakilo areas.) In addition, the impact, visual and otherwise, to the existing nearby townhomes and homes should be minimal as there are existing 138 kV overhead transmission lines in the project area.

As detailed in the application, Hawaiian Electric considered a number of factors, including the significantly higher costs for the underground alternative, in concluding that the relocated 138 kV lines should be constructed overhead.

A copy of Hawaiian Electric's application is available here in PDF format. It is also available for review through the Commission's electronic Document Management System, accessible on-line at the following web address: http://dms.puc.hawaii.gov/dms/. Docket Quick Link 2016-0439. In addition, a copy of the application is available for review at Hawaiian Electric's Regulatory Affairs Office 220 South King Street, Suite 1301.

Public comments may be sent by email to public.comment@hawaiianelectric.com.