NextEra Energy, Inc. and Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc., Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. and Maui Electric Company Limited (collectively referred to as “Hawaiian Electric”), subsidiaries of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (HEI), start to host a series of 13 open house informational meetings across Hawaii 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. The open houses will take place on Oahu, Hawaii Island, Maui, Molokai and Lanai from April 7 to April 16.
"Since we announced our merger late last year, we've been gratified at the reception we've received as well as the high level of interest in this important topic for Hawaii," said Eric Gleason, president of NextEra Energy Hawaii, LLC. "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. 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. The meetings will provide us with the opportunity to receive valuable feedback while allowing residents to learn more about NextEra Energy and the significant near- and long-term benefits this merger will deliver to Hawaiian Electric customers and the state of Hawaii."
"In selecting NextEra Energy as our partner, we will join a company that shares our community and environmental values, has a proven track record of lowering electric bills, is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun, and is committed to rooftop solar in Hawaii," said Alan Oshima, Hawaiian Electric's president and chief executive officer. "We can't imagine a better match to help us accelerate the clean energy transformation we all want for Hawaii. We hope our customers will take the opportunity to meet members of the NextEra Energy team and learn firsthand why NextEra Energy is the right partner to help us achieve a cleaner and more affordable energy future for Hawaii."
(Graphic: Screenshot of NextEra Energy)