HONOLULU — The state Public Utilities Commission is ordering Hawaiian Electric Co. to reduce energy costs and accommodate more renewable energy on the grid. ADVERTISING HONOLULU — The state Public Utilities Commission is ordering Hawaiian Electric Co. to reduce energy
HONOLULU — The state Public Utilities Commission is ordering Hawaiian Electric Co. to reduce energy costs and accommodate more renewable energy on the grid.
Commissioner Michael Champley said Tuesday Hawaiian Electric must submit its plans for carrying out the orders within four months.
The commission says the utility must address the inability some consumers have in connecting rooftop solar panels to the grid because so many of their neighbors have done so already.
Champley says the utility must accommodate more photovoltaic panels.
The commission also wants Hawaiian Electric to retire inefficient fossil fuel plants to cut costs.
The commission’s three members announced the orders together with Gov. Neil Abercrombie.
Hawaiian Electric said in a statement it welcomes the commission’s clear direction. It says it’s been working on many of the initiatives.
