NextEra Energy and Hawaiian Electric Industries, which encompasses Hawaiian Electric Company, Hawaii Electric Light Company and Maui Electric Company, are hosting a series of 13 open house informational meetings across Hawaii to introduce residents to NextEra Energy and the companies’ pending merger.
The meetings, which will take place April 7-16 on Oahu, Hawaii Island, Maui, Molokai and Lanai, is also meant to give the public the opportunity to provide input directly to company officials.
“Since we announced our merger late last year, we’ve been gratified at the reception we’ve received as well as the high level of interest in this important topic for Hawaii,” said Eric Gleason, president of NextEra Energy Hawaii. “NextEra Energy shares Hawaiian Electric’s vision of increasing renewable energy, modernizing its grid, reducing Hawaii’s dependence on imported oil, integrating more rooftop solar energy and, importantly, lowering customer bills. We recognize that addressing Hawaii’s energy challenges requires Hawaii-specific energy solutions, and that is why we look forward to meeting with and listening to residents across Hawaii. The meetings will provide us with the opportunity to receive valuable feedback while allowing residents to learn more about NextEra Energy and the significant near- and long-term benefits this merger will deliver to Hawaiian Electric customers and the state of Hawaii.”
“In selecting NextEra Energy as our partner, we will join a company that shares our community and environmental values, has a proven track record of lowering electric bills, is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun, and is committed to rooftop solar in Hawaii,” said Alan Oshima, Hawaiian Electric’s president and chief executive officer. “We can’t imagine a better match to help us accelerate the clean energy transformation we all want for Hawaii. We hope our customers will take the opportunity to meet members of the NextEra Energy team and learn firsthand why NextEra Energy is the right partner to help us achieve a cleaner and more affordable energy future for Hawaii.”
Each open house meeting will be held from 5-8 p.m. HST. Click here for more information. Dates and locations are as follows:
Maui County
April 7
Central Maui: Maui Electric Auditorium
South Maui: Kihei Community Center
April 8
West Maui: Lahaina Civic Center
Lanai: Lanai Community Center
April 9
Molokai: Kaunakakai Elementary School Cafeteria
Hawaii Island
April 13
Hilo: Hilo High School Cafeteria
Puna: Pahoa High School Cafeteria
April 14
West Hawaii: Kealakehe High School Cafeteria
Waimea: HPA Village Campus Dining Hall
Oahu
April 15
West Oahu: Kapolei High School Cafeteria
Leeward Oahu: Pearl City High School Cafeteria
April 16
Honolulu: Ward Warehouse, Kakaako Conference Room
Windward Oahu: Windward Community College, Hale Akoakoa