Powering Progress in an Age of Perpetual Risk
The energy challenges ahead demand more than a return to business as usual. Storms, wildfires, supply chain and power disruptions, as well as rising costs, are challenging how we plan, build, and operate energy systems and related infrastructure.
Rooted in Hawaii with a global outlook, the conference will connect lessons across regions and sectors to strengthen the reliable power that communities and economies depend on. How do we power a future that’s prepared for what’s next?
Mark May 18 and 19, 2027 on your calendar, to join us on Maui to explore answers to: How do we power a future that’s prepared for what’s next?
About the Hawaii Energy Conference
The annual Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC) brings together experts on energy policy, strategies, leadership and innovation from Hawaii, the Continental U.S., Asia-Pacific and more to exchange ideas on how to better serve our communities in today’s rapidly changing power generation and delivery environment.
The first Energy Conference on Maui was held in 2014 to explore the challenges and opportunities in our nation’s transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Maui is a locus for major energy initiatives. The island has attracted leading national and international energy players and leads the nation with the highest density of EV usage. Hawaii was the first state to set a goal of being 100% renewable with a target of 2045 and is among the highest in the nation per capita for PV installations.
Watch the highlights from 2026
Originally titled the Maui Energy Conference, the name was changed to Hawaii Energy Conference in 2019 to reflect what it has always been–the premier Energy Conference in Hawaii focused on statewide interests as seen through the prism of national and international developments in energy. From 2020 through to 2022 the conference was held virtually due to COVID-19.
A program committee establishes a theme for each conference, identifies speakers and develops the program featuring keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking and exhibits. Topics covered have included: the future of electric utilities, Hawaii’s progress toward becoming 100% renewable, decarbonization, energy equity, innovation in the industry and more.
Meet the 2026 Program Committee
Beth Amaro | Member Services and Communications Manager, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative
Colton Ching | Senior Vice President, Planning & Technology, Hawaiian Electric
Michael Colón | Director, Energy Sector, Ulupono Initiative
Jacqui Hoover | Chair, Conference Program Committee; Executive Director and COO Hawaii Island Economic Development Board (HIEDB); and President Hawaii Leeward Planning
Damien Kim | Business Manager/Financial Secretary, International Brotherhood Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1186
Jonathan Koehn | Director, Climate Initiatives Department, City of Boulder
Doug McLeod | Member, DKK Energy Services, LLC
Robert “Rocky” Mould | Executive Director, Hawaii Solar Energy Association
Jennifer Potter | Faculty Energy Specialist, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI)
Joelle Simonpietri | Owner, Simonpietri Enterprises LLC
Wren Wescoatt | VP of Development, Longroad Energy
Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter | Director, Government and Community Relations, Hawaiian Electric
Past Conference Topics
2026 | Energy: Power, People, & Place
2025 | Offering Solutions
2024 | Reimagining Resilience
2023 | Back at the MACC (a return to in-person conference)
2022 | Electrification: Where are we now? What does the future hold? (Virtual)
2021 | The Energy Transition in Hawaii: Focus on investments in people and projects (Virtual)
2020 | Imagining a Just Recovery. What would that look like for the grid? (Virtual)
2019 | Innovation in Practice
2018 | Decarbonization: A Business Opportunity for Innovative Communities
2017 | All Things Energy: Pursuing New Opportunities for Electricity and Beyond
2016 | 100% Renewable Energy in Hawaii: It’s No Longer A Matter of When
2015 | A Focus on the Customer
2014 | Electric Utilities: The Future Is Not What It Used to Be
PRESENTED BY
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.