AES-CEIP 1 138 kV Overhead Transmission Line Relocation

On March 23, 2018, Hawaiian Electric, Inc. ("Hawaiian Electric") filed an application in Docket No. 2018-0068 requesting a Public Utilities Commission ("Commission"): (1) approval in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 2.3(g)(2) of the Commission's General Order No. 7 to commit funds in excess of $2,500,000; and (2) determination that the relocated section of 138 kilovolt ("kV") transmission line be constructed above the surface of the ground, pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes 269-27.6.

In 1990, when the AES-CEIP 1 138kV overhead transmission line was required, the landowner was not firm on their development plans. Therefore, in the easement negotiations with the landowner, currently Kapolei Properties (“KPD”), it was agreed that Hawaiian Electric would relocate (one time at its expense) the section of the 138 kV overhead line, with an underbuilt 46kV sub-transmission line, that would conflict with KPD’s firm development plans.

As a result of these easement terms, Hawaiian Electric plans to relocate approximately 5,940 circuit feet of the AES-CEIP 1 138 kV transmission line and 4,100 circuit feet of the Kahe-Standard Oil 1 46kV sub-transmission line. The relocation will include: (1) the installation of twelve new 138 kV self-supporting steel poles; (2) the installation of a new section of shield wire, 138 kV, and 46kV overhead conductors; (3) the removal of 19 existing 138 kV transmission poles; and (4) the removal of an existing section of shield wire, 138 kV, and 46kV overhead conductors between the existing AES and CEIP transmission substations.

The project has a total estimated cost of $4,227,585. Hawaiian Electric will pay 100% of the project cost.

The nearest existing homes are more than 3,300 feet away. (The closest townhomes are in Ko Olina Fairways and the closest homes are in the Honokai Hale and Makakilo areas.) In addition, the impact, visual and otherwise, to the existing nearby townhomes and homes should be minimal as there are existing 138 kV overhead transmission lines in the project area.

As detailed in the application, Hawaiian Electric considered a number of factors, including the significantly higher costs for the underground alternative, in concluding that the relocated 138 kV lines should be constructed overhead.

A copy of Hawaiian Electric's application is available here in PDF format. It is also available for review through the Commission's electronic Document Management System, accessible on-line at the following web address: https://hpuc.my.site.com/cdms/s/search. Docket Quick Link 2018-0068. In addition, a copy of the application is available for review at Hawaiian Electric's Regulatory Affairs Office 220 South King Street, Suite 1301.

Public comments may be sent by email to public.comment@hawaiianelectric.com.