Consumers Oppose Helco Rate Hike

(Ken Hupp - KPUA) Hawai`i Electric Light Company’s rate hike request came in for some heated opposition last night as many of the more than 100 people who turned out for a state Public Utilities Commission hearing at Hilo High School blasted the proposal.

Helco is seeking a 4.2 percent rate increase that would generate an additional $19.8 million to fund maintenance for the company’s electric grid and system upgrades while adding more renewable energy technologies. Helco is also seeking approval of a biodiesel supply contract with Aina Koa Pono – Ka`u LLC that would necessitate a related bio-fuel surcharge.

The PUC rejected a similar proposal between the two parties last year.

Consumers oppose Helco rate hike