Equity & Electrification

The Hawai’i Energy Conference brings together regional and national experts on energy policy, strategies, leadership and innovation.  The 2020 Conference will explore the timely issues of beneficial electrification and the design of an equitable energy transition. 

Participants will take a deep dive into how electrification can be “beneficial”. As more functions are served by electricity, demand for electricity will rise. This opens pathways for more deployment of renewable generation, which supports the sort of ambitious decarbonization goals that state legislatures are enacting. What are the benefits, challenges, and practical limits of electrification?  Given the wildfire issues affecting the West, will there be the same access to electricity for those who cannot afford microgrids or DERs? Can an electrified system be more resilient and efficient? What are the alternatives to electrification?

How can we break through economic, cultural and linguistic barriers to ensure that we have an energy system that works for everyone?  Where should we invest and put equity into equity? What does an equitable energy transition look like? Is it possible to create a transition that respects local cultures, is socially just, and protects our most vulnerable?

These topics are not unique to Hawaii, so whether you live on an island or not, please join us on Maui as we explore pathways to creating an equitable, resilient energy system of the future.

Featured Speakers

Rachel Huang Director of Energy Strategy, Research and Development, Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)	Clifford Rechtschaffen Commissioner California Public Utilities Commission	Scott Seu President & CEO, Hawaiian Electric Company	Mark Toney Executive Director, The Utility Reform Network
Jenna Tatum Director, Building Electrification Initiative	Melissa Miyashiro Managing Director, Strategy & Policy, Blue Planet Foundation	Mark Kolesar Chair, Alberta Utilities Commission	Cara Goldenberg Sr. Associate, Rocky Mountain Institute
Ingrid Rohmund Sr. Vice President, Applied Energy Group	Murray Clay President, Ulupono Initiative	Tuan Pham President, PowerFin	Jennifer Potter Commissioner, Hawaii Public Utilities Commission
Lynne Araki Regan First Deputy, Department of Transportation, Hawaii	Nicole Velasco Business Development, NORESCO	Pono Shim CEO, Oahu Economic Development Board	Alex De Roode Energy Commissioner, Office of Economic Development, Maui