Newly appointed President of Hawaiian Electric to Speak at 2020 Hawaii Energy Conference

Newly appointed President of Hawaiian Electric to Speak at 2020 Hawaii Energy Conference

by | Jan 17, 2020 | 2020

Scott Seu, President and CEO of Hawaiian Electric, will speak on Day 2 at the 2020 Hawaii Energy Conference

Scott Seu, the new President and CEO of Hawaiian Electric Company, will be the featured speaker at the Hawaii Energy Conference on March 19, 2020.  The conference will take a deep dive into how electrification can be “beneficial” and what is required to design an equitable energy transition.

In  a “Conversation with Scott Seu,” he will share his views on the direction of Hawaiian Electric – including how the company will effectively modernize the electrical grid to meet the state’s 100% renewable energy portfolio standards by 2045 and the outreach necessary to balance the needs of a diverse customer base, particularly the most vulnerable in our community.

Outgoing president Alan Oshima remarked on the transition in leadership in a recent statement by Hawaiian Electric, “We have the plans in place to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our use of fossil fuels over the next decade and with his unique experience in operations and working with the community, I know Scott is the right person to get it done. This leadership transition ensures that our pace continues accelerating toward our clean energy goals.”

Seu has also helped lead the company’s resilience initiatives, focusing on community awareness and building stronger relationships with key public and private stakeholders. Hawaiian Electric was named “Utility of the Year” for 2019 by Utility Dive, a leading energy industry publication.

“Growing up in Hawaii and in the company, I feel a profound sense of duty to help chart the course for our future generations,” Seu said. “This is a critical time in our state’s clean energy transformation and as I talk to people it’s clear that there are many different visions of the best way forward. That means our work isn’t just about technology, but about pulling together as a community to collaborate and understand the choices we can make. I am humbled and honored to serve our community, our customers, and our employees as the next leader of Hawaiian Electric.”

Presented by Maui Economic Development Board in collaboration with the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, the 7th Annual Hawaii Energy Conference will explore the theme “Electrification and Equity.” The program includes keynote speakers, panel discussions and case studies.

Panel topics include:

  • Defining Beneficial Electrification. What Would an Equitable Energy System Look Like?
  • Who Benefits from Beneficial Electrification? Making It Real for Renters
  • Resilience – How to Apply Principles of Equity
  • Moving Beyond “Cost-Benefit” And Valuing Non-Monetary Benefits
  • Project Siting for Utility Scale Projects – How Can We Meet Demands for Just and Equitable Impacts?
  • Inclusive Efficiency. How To Benefit Different Groups
  • The Equity in Equity: An Investing Panel

and more. Click here for further program details.

The conference consistently attracts energy industry leaders from Hawai’i, Continental US, Japan and Europe to exchange ideas on how to better serve customers in the Islands’ rapidly changing energy environment. Participants can take advantage of the ample networking time and have access to the leading experts in the state.

Early Bird rates for the Conference expire on January 31, 2019. This is a unique opportunity to hear from an industry leader and innovator.

For information on how to register and other details, visit: www.hawaiienergyconference.com.

 

 

Equity and Electrification to be explored at the 2020 Hawai’i Energy Conference

Equity and Electrification to be explored at the 2020 Hawai’i Energy Conference

by | Nov 7, 2019 | 2020, News

Energy industry leaders participated in a panel at the 2019 Hawaii Energy Conference L to R: Abigail Anthony, Rhode Island PUC: Michael Picker, President of the California PUC; Governor David Ige; Jennifer Potter, Hawaii PUC; with moderator Matthew McDonnell, Navigant Energy Practice.

The 7th annual Hawai’i Energy Conference will explore the timely issues of beneficial electrification and the design of an equitable energy transition. The dates are March 18 and 19, 2020. Presented by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and supported by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, the Hawai’i Energy Conference is the leading energy conference in the islands and brings together regional and national experts on energy policy, strategies, leadership and innovation.

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 throughout the nation are enacting.

“Keynote and panel presenters will attempt to answer a number of questions regarding the benefits, challenges, and practical limits of electrification”, said Doug McLeod, Conference Chair.  “How can this concept have meaning so that ‘beneficial’ does not become another throwaway word like ‘clean’ or ‘green’?  How does beneficial electrification differ from low cost energy and ideas of what is just?”

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?

When exploring equity, the conference will consider how we can 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?

The 2019 Hawaii Energy Conference featured an MOU signing with PUC’s of Hawaii and California. L to R: James Griffin, Chairman Hawaii PUC; Michael Picker, President California PUC

“These topics are not unique to Hawai’i,” says Frank De Rego, Jr., Director of Business Development Projects at MEDB and Program Committee Vice-Chair. “Whether someone lives on an island or not, they will benefit from participating in the conversation to explore pathways to creating an equitable, resilient energy system of the future.”

The HEC consistently attracts energy industry leaders from Hawai’i, the Mainland, Japan and Europe to exchange ideas on how to better serve customers in the Islands’ rapidly changing energy environment. Participants can take advantage of the ample networking time and have access to the leading experts in the state.

Registration for the March event, held at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center in Kahului, will be launched in December.