New Jersey BPU: Upendra Chivukula
Commissioner
“We don’t look at utilities as our adversaries. We look at them as partners because we have the physical threats of all the natural disasters, and we also have cyber threats.”
The States
New Jersey BPU: Joseph Fiordaliso
President
“We’re seeing economic development evolve from the renewable energy field. Over 7,000 people have jobs in the solar industry in New Jersey.”
Hawaii: Chris Lee
State Representative
“Today we are already well on the way to solving our energy problems. And if it can be done here, then it can be done elsewhere.”
Hawaii: Dean Nishina
Consumer Advocate
“There’s no organized group that intervenes on behalf of large industrial customers or large commercial customers. We are supposed to represent the interests of all of those consumers.”
Hawaii's Consumer Advocate and a State Representative
Unique Renewable Goals
Conversations with the division of consumer advocacy’s executive director Dean Nishina and state representative Chris Lee.
Hawaii PUC: Jayson Kauwenaole
Head of Compliance and Consumer Affairs
“Our goal is to get them in compliance. We’re not there to shut down any business.”
Hawaii PUC: Gina Yi
Interim Chief Engineer
“I review applications from such utilities as Hawaiian Electric, reviewing its application for major projects, which includes electric diagrams.”
Hawaii PUC: Dave Parsons
Chief for Policy and Research
“We don’t testify, generally. Our Staff is advisory, so we’re an extension of the Commissioners. Our job is to investigate the issues before the Commission and advise them.”
Hawaii PUC: Caroline Ishida
Chief Counsel
“The state Supreme Court has looked at some novel issues raised by some of the parties related to environmental considerations like greenhouse gases.”
Hawaii PUC: Jennifer Potter
Commissioner
“Our journey of PBR was solidified by legislation that did mandate that we investigate a way to break the link between capital investment and revenue for the utility.”