Hawaiian Electric Company, a subsidiary of Hawaiian Electric Industries, filed a competitive solicitation seeking proposals for renewable energy and storage projects across three Hawaiian islands. The Integrated Grid Planning Request for Proposals was submitted on the deadline date and represents one of the utility’s largest-ever energy procurement efforts.
The projects are designed to address growing electricity demand and support the state’s renewable energy objectives. Oʻahu, which accounts for more than 70% of electricity generation statewide and is home to nearly one million residents, is experiencing its fastest electricity demand growth in two decades as transportation and industrial sectors undergo electrification. The company indicated that completing these initiatives would constitute meaningful movement toward Hawaiʻi’s target of 100% renewable power generation by 2045.
CEO Scott Seu characterized the solicitation as part of an expedited procurement approach intended to stimulate competition, evaluate multiple options, and accelerate portfolio development while maintaining cost efficiency and reliability standards. The utility stated it remains receptive to various solutions, including liquefied natural gas for power generation, provided they demonstrate clear value to customers and undergo transparent evaluation through the Public Utilities Commission.
The filing comes as a Japan-based energy conglomerate’s affiliate announced plans to develop a separate regulated utility to construct and operate what would be Hawaiʻi’s largest power plant using LNG technology. That entity notified the PUC of its intention to pursue approval through an alternative pathway outside the standard competitive bidding framework. Hawaiian Electric indicated openness to including such proposals within the competitive process if the PUC determines such expansion is appropriate, emphasizing the company’s commitment to evaluating all available resources to determine the optimal energy mix for the state. Additional details regarding the solicitation are available through the utility’s website and the PUC’s docket 2024-0258.
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