Our Vision & Commitment
Investing in the Future
Our company and employees are dedicated to serving the communities of Hawaii. We're investing in our infrastructure by upgrading utility poles, transmission lines and more. We are focused on partnering with independent power producers to develop the next generation of clean, renewable energy systems.
We want you to know about our activities in your area and welcome feedback and comments.
Repowering the Waiau Power Plant
To meet our customer’s growing demand for continuous, reliable power on Oahu, Hawaiian Electric proposes to install, own and operate new simple-cycle combustion turbines that will replace the aging oil-fired steam turbines at its Waiau Power Plant in Pearl City. The project is an important step in the transformation of the company’s generation infrastructure and supports the critical need for firm, reliable power that can be quickly dispatched when variable renewable resources such as solar and wind aren’t available.
Learn more about the Waiau Repower project.
Waiau Transmission Structure Replacements
Hawaiian Electric plans to replace lattice structures that carry critical high-voltage transmission lines starting from the Waiau Power Plant through Pearl City and across the island. The structures were installed in the 1960s and are due for replacement. As part of the utility’s modernization efforts and to ensure continued safe, reliable electric service, each existing lattice structure will be replaced with two new steel poles for a smaller footprint.
Learn more about the Waiau Transmission Structure Replacements.
Koa Ridge 46kV Overhead Line Relocation Project
Hawaiian Electric plans to relocate a portion of its existing 46kV overhead sub-transmission line, located in Koa Ridge, to allow the developer to build a community park as part of future residential development plans. The proposed work will involve moving infrastructure from an existing 46kV overhead pole line to an existing 138kV overhead pole line.
Learn more about the Koa Ridge Development project.
Kulanihakoi Substation
To meet the increased energy needs of Oahu’s fastest growing region, Hawaiian Electric has received approval from the Public Utilities Commission to build a new substation within D.R. Horton’s Hoopili community in East Kapolei. The project will begin construction in March 2022 and is targeted to be in service by June 2023.
Learn more about the Kulanihakoi Substation.
North Kohala Microgrid
In March 2023, we opened a Request for Proposals for a battery energy storage system (BESS) that would be integrated with a microgrid controller system owned and operated by Hawaiian Electric. Both would be located next to Hawaiian Electric’s Hawi substation and completed in September 2025, if approved.
Learn more about the North Kohala Microgrid project.
Self-Build Battery Energy Storage Systems on Maui and Hawaii Island
Hawaiian Electric plans to build battery energy storage systems on company-owned land at Waena near the Central Maui Landfill and at Keahole Power Plant. These self-build projects will help the electric grid to accommodate more renewable sources and ensure grid stability while reducing thermal plant emissions.
