Meetings have been scheduled across the state to receive public comment on integrated resource planning by Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawaiian Electric Light Co. (HELCO). The utilities’ goal is to file an integrated resource planning report for each company with the state Public Utilities Commission by June 28, 2013.
Meetings have been scheduled across the state to receive public comment on integrated resource planning by Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawaiian Electric Light Co. (HELCO). The utilities’ goal is to file an integrated resource planning report for each company with the state Public Utilities Commission by June 28, 2013.
Big Island meetings are: Tuesday, Dec. 4, 6-8 p.m. at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, 600 ‘Imiloa Pl., Hilo; Wednesday, Dec. 5, 6-8 p.m., Waikoloa Elementary School, 68-1730 Hooko St., Waikoloa; Thursday, Dec. 6, Pahala Community Center, 96-1149 Kamani St., Pahala.
The PUC has named Carl Freedman of Haiku Design & Analysis in Maui as the commission’s “independent entity” to oversee the process. The commission also named a 68-member IRP advisory group composed of representatives from diverse locations and organizations statewide to provide public input to the Hawaiian Electric utilities in the planning process.
According to the PUC: “The goal of integrated resource planning is to develop an action plan that governs how the utility will meet energy objectives and customer energy needs consistent with state energy policies and goals, while providing safe and reliable utility service at a reasonable cost, through the development of resource plans and scenarios of possible futures that provide a broader long-term perspective.
“Comments can also be posted online but we know many prefer to have their say in person,” said Colton Ching, Hawaiian Electric vice president for system operation and planning. “There will be another opportunity for public comment in April or May when the scenario plans are finalized.”
The complete integrated resource planning documents are available online at www.irpie.com.