Care to Weigh in on the Deal Between NextEra and Hawaiian Electric?
The companies will be hosting a series of “open house informational meetings” about the pending merger across the state in April.
NextEra Energy and the three utilities that fall under Hawaiian Electric — Hawaiian Electric Company, Hawaii Electric Light Company and Maui Electric Company  — have announced a series of 13 open house informational meetings across the state next month.
Why?
“To introduce residents to NextEra Energy and the benefits of the companies’ pending merger as well as to provide members of the public with the opportunity to provide input directly to company officials,” according to a press release.
The NextEra-HEI deal is a big deal, one that is pending before the Public Utilities Commission and one that has attracted lots of concerns.
The companies are spinning the positive. (Indeed, their website is .)
The Hawaiian Electric building in downtown Honolulu.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat
“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,” Eric Gleason, president of NextEra Energy Hawaii, said in a press release. “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.”
Each meeting will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., where representatives from NextEra Energy and HEI will share their thoughts and listen to yours. The dates and locations are as follows:
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
April 13
- Hilo, Hawaii: Hilo High School Cafeteria
- Puna, Hawaii: Pahoa High School Cafeteria
April 14
- West Hawaii: Kealakehe High School Cafeteria
- Waimea, Hawaii: HPA Village Campus Dining Hall
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
