The Hawaiian Electric Companies, including Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawaii Electric Light, reached a record 13.9% of energy needs from renewable generation in 2012.
According to the companies, the 13.9% achievement was an improvement over the 12% reported for 2011 and places the utilities on track to meet Hawaii's 15% by 2015 renewable portfolio standard.
Added rooftop and utility-scale solar photovoltaic facilities on all islands, more wind energy on Oahu and Maui, and increased geothermal energy production on Hawaii Island all contributed to this progress, the companies add.
"Our communities' strong progress in renewable energy is the result of the collective efforts of customers, energy suppliers and our companies," says Scott Seu, vice president for energy resources and operations. "Increasing renewable energy helps our utilities meet our clean energy commitments and renewable energy legal mandates.
"Most importantly, we need to keep pressing for more renewable energy to stabilize and lower customer bills, enhance the security of our way of life in Hawaii and protect the environment of our islands and the world," he adds.
