“I review applications from such utilities as Hawaiian Electric, reviewing its application for major projects, which includes electric diagrams.”

“If it takes us months to issue them a certificate, they’re unable to legally operate and earn income all that time.”

“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.”

“The state Supreme Court has looked at some novel issues raised by some of the parties related to environmental considerations like greenhouse gases.”

“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.”

“The focus for us right now is cost containment of the companies. Are the costs justifiable to us that eventually the ratepayer needs to pay in base rates?”

“Early in my term, I was at a backyard barbecue with a friend and he pulled out his electricity bill in front of the whole crowd and asked me to explain all the line items.”

We interviewed the chair, commissioners and more at Hawaii's Public Utilities Commission.

“We have four cross-island transmission lines of 69 kV. During that storm, three of them got affected, so we only had one transmission line remaining across the island.”

“Community Based Renewable Energy is where you have a solar farm but people that live in a condo or have an odd-shaped roof may be able to invest in those panels and get a bill credit as if they have rooftop solar.”