The 12th Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC) will convene on Maui May 21-22 with an overall theme of “Offering Solutions.” As local, national and international communities navigate a changing energy landscape, the event will bring together industry leaders to offer solutions addressing the most pressing energy challenges of today.
Presented by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), the conference will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, case studies and an exhibit venue. The program will cover topics ranging from utility-scale renewable energy deployment to community-based initiatives, and the economics and advancements of grid independence. Discussions will also tackle energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, job creation, training, and more.
“Beyond direct energy costs, solutions offered impact decision making at all levels,” said Jacqui Hoover, Conference Chair and Executive Director and COO Hawaii Island Economic Development Board (HIEDB); and President Hawaii Leeward Planning. “They impact decisions on consumer, utility, and regulatory levels; near and long term policy making; technology integration; use and distribution of resources; environment, and sustainability.”
Jacqui Hoover presenting at the Hawaii Energy Conference
“The problems seem clear.” added Doug McLeod, a founding member of the HEC Program Committee. “Billions are needed to make the electrical grid safer, but Hawaii customers are already paying the highest rate in the US for electricity; the largest utility in the state has a credit rating too low to be considered investment grade, and there is considerable resistance to all new wind projects. Our speakers are there to offer insight and solutions for these very real problems.”
This year the conference introduces two Deep Dive sessions. Complementing the main stage discussions, these sessions will provide an intimate setting for up to 40 participants to engage directly with experts and explore complex issues like time-of-use rates and sustainable financing strategies.
“The deep dives offer an alternative to the main stage presentation that is expected to be more technical in nature.” said McLeod. “The first Deep Dive will explore Time of Use (TOU) rates led by former Hawaii Public Utilities Commissioner Jennifer Potter and Dr. Ahmad Faruqui from California. We will view the session a success if we can help answer questions like “Is there a way to design a TOU rate structure for a place like Hawaii with lots of daytime solar that does not penalize people who have to work outside the home during the day?”
The Hawaii Energy Conference offers networking and exhibiting opportunities to connect with key stakeholders, industry experts, innovators, policymakers and more. Attendees will be able to gain insights, share ideas, and collaborate on actionable solutions to building a sustainable future for Hawaii and beyond.
Doug McLeod (center) moderates a discussion at HEC2024
The Honorable Governor Josh Green presenting at HEC2024
The exhibit venue offers opportunities to network with energy professionals
The HEC is supported by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development and brings together experts and thought leaders to connect and explore the latest advancements shaping the energy landscape world-wide. The Conference expects to draw participation from Hawaii, the Continental U.S., Asia-Pacific, and more.
Registration is now open with early bird rates available until March 31.
Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation established in 1982 with a mission to diversify Maui County’s economy, building pathways to innovation, jobs and opportunities for our residents. Through partnerships with the public and private sector, MEDB undertakes projects that assist growth industries with navigating and thriving in our county, educates and trains residents for new careers, and engages our community in forums that determine future economic directions.