Hawaii PUC
Leo Asuncion is Chair of the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. Paul Kjellander is PUF Senior Advisor and former Idaho PUC Chair.
These conversations continue how the State of Hawaii is marching toward its clean energy goals that include achieving the nation’s first-ever, one hundred percent renewable portfolio standards by 2045. Part One in the February issue of Public Utilities Fortnightly began the examination of Hawaii’s transformation from a state almost completely reliant on imported fossil fuels to one powered by clean renewable energy.
The Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative was launched in 2008, and renewed Hawaii’s commitment to clean energy goals. But getting there isn’t easy, and issues abound with how Hawaii can meet its big targets in time.
To illuminate the issues faced by Hawaii, and with challenges from the Lahaina wildfire and increased wildfire threats generally, PUF’s Paul Kjellander talked with two leaders there. Hawaii PUC Chair Leo Asuncion and the State’s Chief Energy Officer Mark Glick inform here on how the State will move forward to meet its objectives.
PUF: How are you addressing the renewable portfolio standard issues, wildfire issues, and backstop authority to make sure resources are built, while also dealing with load growth for electrification of vehicles?