What's Being Discussed

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is holding a public hearing on a request by the Hawaiian Electric Companies — HECO (Oʻahu), HELCO (Hawaiʻi Island), and MECO (Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi) — to raise electricity rates across the state. This process is called "rebasing."

• The companies are asking to increase total annual revenues by approximately $170 million (5.3%) above current rates.
• The increase would happen in two phases: roughly $125 million starting January 1, 2027, and an additional $45 million starting January 1, 2028.
• If approved, a typical residential customer's monthly bill would rise by an estimated $11 on Oʻahu, $15 on Hawaiʻi Island, $14 on Maui, and $11 on Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi.
• The companies say the increases are driven by inflation adjustments, depreciation of certain power plant equipment, and higher insurance costs.

This hearing is your opportunity to ask questions and share your opinion with the PUC before any decision is made.

Decisions Expected

No final vote will be taken at this hearing. The PUC is gathering public testimony and comments to inform its review of the application. A formal decision will come later in the regulatory process.

Who Should Pay Attention

• All Hawaiian Electric customers on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi — this rate increase would affect your monthly electric bill.
• Renters and homeowners who pay their own electricity costs.
• Small businesses and nonprofits that receive electricity from Hawaiian Electric.

Written comments can be emailed to puc.comments@hawaii.gov, referencing Docket No. 2026-0162.