Spirited Debate in Store for Energy in 2012 Legislature
01/17/2012
www.punageothermalventure.com
Hawaiian Electric Co. could be in the political crosshairs this legislative session when it comes to energy policy.
The embattled utility that provides electricity to Oahu, the Big Island and Maui County has been at the forefront of the state’s transition to renewable energy. But it’s weathered a host of criticism this past year on its handling of Big Wind, “caps” on the amount of solar energy it permits on its electric grids and what some argue is foot dragging when it comes to moving the state off imported oil.
Tensions have been heightened by electricity rates that have remained at record highs for months, stoking public distrust and skepticism toward one of the state’s largest publicly traded companies.
How this will play out in the legislative arena is not entirely clear. But lawmakers are working to transfer control over energy policy from HECO to state regulators.
HECO “can choose what, when and how they want to do things,” said Rep. Denny Coffman, chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection. “And I view this as a problem.”
