What's Being Discussed
The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is holding a public hearing in Hilo to gather community input on a proposal by the Hawaiian Electric Companies to raise electricity rates. The companies — Hawaiian Electric (O'ahu), Hawai'i Electric Light (Hawai'i Island), and Maui Electric (Maui, Moloka'i, and Lāna'i) — filed this application on July 17, 2026.

The companies are requesting a combined annual revenue increase of approximately $170 million (5.3%) across all islands.
The increase would happen in two phases: roughly $125 million starting January 1, 2027, and an additional $45 million starting January 1, 2028.
The proposed rate increases are driven mainly by inflation adjustments, depreciation of certain power generating equipment, and higher insurance costs.
Residents can attend, ask questions, and give testimony to the PUC at this hearing.

Decisions Expected
No final vote will be taken at this hearing. This is a public input session — the PUC is collecting testimony from residents before making a decision on whether to approve, modify, or deny the rate increase proposal. Written comments can also be submitted online, by mail, or by email to puc.comments@hawaii.gov, referencing Docket No. 2026-0162.

Who Should Pay Attention

All electric customers on Hawai'i Island, O'ahu, Maui, Moloka'i, and Lāna'i
Hawai'i Island residents in particular, who could see a typical monthly bill increase of approximately $15 if both phases are approved
Businesses and households concerned about rising utility costs
Anyone who wants their voice heard before a rate decision is made