The 13th Annual Hawaii Energy Conference was held May 20, 21 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center bringing together nearly 400 energy leaders, policymakers, innovators, and community voices to examine this year’s theme: Energy: Power, People and Place.
This year’s program actively explored pathways to resilience and sustainability using firm power, while incorporating the lessons learned from successful indigenous projects.
Mana Newton, Group CEO, Tauhara North No. 2 Trust, New Zealand delivered a powerful keynote sharing the journey and story of geothermal energy in their community. It was a story of inclusion; ownership; and of regeneration; balancing cultural stewardship with commercial viability to strengthen resilience.
In addition to the general sessions, the Hawaii Energy Conference provided networking opportunities for attendees with breakfast, lunch and receptions. The exhibit venue showcased organizations with the latest renewable energy technologies and services.
People, Power and Place The 13th Annual Hawaii Energy Conference was held May 20, 21 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center bringing together nearly 400 energy leaders, policymakers, innovators, and community voices to examine this year’s theme: Energy: Power, People...
The 2026 Hawaii Energy Conference will welcome two influential leaders from New Zealand, bringing global insight and Indigenous perspectives to this year’s theme: Energy: Power, People, and Place. Presented by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), the conference...
Bringing together leaders, policymakers, cooperatives, and energy innovators, the 2026 Hawaii Energy Conference will discuss pathways to resilience and sustainability using firm power, while incorporating the lessons learned from successful indigenous projects....
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
The 12th annual Hawaii Energy Conference brought industry leaders together to offer solutions addressing the most pressing energy challenges of today.
Featuring ten dynamic panels and one Deep Dive session over two days, the program covered topics ranging from utility-scale renewable energy deployment to community-based initiatives, and the economics and advancements of exporting to the grid. Discussions also tackled energy efficiency, sustainable financing strategies, alternative energy sources, job creation, training, and more.
Complementing the main stage discussions, the new Deep Dive session provided an intimate setting for up to 40 participants to engage directly with experts and explore complex issues like time-of-use rates.
The Hawaii Energy Conference offered networking and exhibiting opportunities to connect with key stakeholders, industry experts, innovators, policymakers and more. Mahalo to those who joined us on Maui to gain insights, share ideas, and collaborate on actionable solutions to building a sustainable future for Hawaii and beyond.
The 12th Annual Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC), held May 21–22 in Maui, brought together 365 energy leaders, policymakers, innovators, and community advocates to explore actionable strategies for Hawaii’s transition to a clean energy future under the theme “Offering...
As local, national and international communities navigate a changing energy landscape, the 12th Annual Hawaii Energy Conference will bring together industry leaders to offer solutions addressing the most pressing energy challenges of today. With a theme of “Offering...
The Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC) is proud to announce that the Honorable Josh Green, M.D., Governor of the State of Hawaii, will deliver the keynote address at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on Day 1 of the May 21-22 event. As a champion of clean energy and...
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...
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 Maria Tome | Chief Research Analyst, Division of Consumer Advocacy, State of Hawaii Wren Wescoatt | VP of Development, Longroad Energy Julie Yunker | Director of Sustainability, Government and Community Affairs, Hawaii Gas Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter | Director, Government and Community Relations, Hawaiian Electric
In a world where extreme weather events are increasing in severity and frequency, prioritizing energy resilience for homes, businesses, and communities is the only path forward to maintain a reliable and accessible supply of energy. Done properly, resilient energy systems can also improve health, comfort, and affordability.
The 11th Hawai’i Energy Conference (HEC) explored cutting-edge solutions to improve resilience in the face of a rapidly changing climate. Hear from experts on topics such as whether biofuels can really support resilience while lowering carbon emissions, and how resilience planning can prioritize historically marginalized and disadvantaged communities. There was also an update from the Legislature and discuss the pros and cons of undergrounding and insulating electrical lines.
Distributed energy resources (DERs), including PV coupled with batteries, are critical tools for strengthening energy resilience in this volatile operating environment and we expect to highlight some of the flexible and wide-ranging applications for DER already deployed to support housing on Maui since the August 2023 fires.
The HEC brings together experts and thought leaders to connect and explore the latest advancements shaping the energy landscape world-wide.
Watch the replays to hear how we “talk story” about risk management, grid stability, and adaptive solutions that ensure a reliable and resilient energy supply.
On May 22-23, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) presented the 11th Annual Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC), with the theme Reimagining Resilience, at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Supported by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, the HEC...
In a world where extreme weather events are increasing in severity and frequency, prioritizing energy resilience for homes, businesses, and communities is the only path forward to maintain a reliable and accessible supply of energy. The 11th Annual Hawaii Energy...
Author and Wall Street Journal reporter, Katherine Blunt, will kick off the 11th Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC) sharing her research and insights from the California wildfires and the fall of Pacific Gas and Electric. Presented by the Maui Economic Development Board...
Colton Ching | Senior Vice President, Planning & Technology, Hawaiian Electric 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 Maria Tome| Managing Director, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Hawaii State Energy Office Wren Wescoatt| Director of Development, Hawaii Longroad Energy Julie Yunker| Director of Sustainability, Government and Community Affairs, Hawaii Gas Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter | Director, Government and Community Relations, Hawaiian Electric
We had so much to talk about, as we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Hawaii Energy Conference. Finally back live and in person at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center May 24-25, 2023.
Is getting to 100 % Renewables still desirable, still doable, still worth the price?
How can we get clean energy projects permitted, interconnected, and operational in a reasonable period of time?
What is the next step in our efforts toward decarbonized energy, and what role does hydrogen play?
What are the energy related priorities of the Hawai’i Legislature and the Governor?
What is Energy Equity and how do we achieve it in the pursuit of state energy goals such as 100% renewables and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions?
Colton Ching | Senior Vice President, Planning & Technology, Hawaiian Electric Celeste Connors| Executive Director, Hawaii Green Growth Jacqui Hoover | Chair, Conference Program Committee; Executive Director and COO Hawaii Island Economic Development Board (HIEDB); and President Hawaii Leeward Planning Jonathan Koehn | Chief Sustainability & Resilience Officer, City of Boulder Doug McLeod |Member, DKK Energy Services, LLC Robert “Rocky” Mould | Executive Director, Hawaii Solar Energy Association Maria Tome | Managing Director, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Hawaii State Energy Office Stephany Vaioleti | Community Engagement Navigator, Hawaii Energy Wren Wescoatt | Director of Development, Hawaii Longroad Energy Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter | Director, Government and Community Relations, Hawaiian Electric
Electrification: Where are we now? What does the future hold?
The 9th Annual Hawaii Energy Conference was held virtually and revisited the challenges of electrifying the grid and transportation – current successes, potential pitfalls, and future opportunities.
There is no doubt that the push to Electrification will affect our way of life.
A study by Princeton University predicted that by 2050 electrifying transport and buildings could double the amount of electricity consumption in the U.S. Amy Myers Jaffe, a research professor at Tuft’s University, boldly declared in the Wall Street Journal, “The electrification of (almost) everything is coming, and we’re just not ready for it.”
Our communities will need to develop disciplined, proportional responses to the challenges Electrification poses. Strategies for energy efficiency and the equitable distribution of Electrification’s benefits must balance building capacity for increased consumption.
The two-day discussion reviewed the issues surrounding electrification with the following thoughts in mind: How do we define “electrification” and is it the same everywhere?
How are the community’s needs and concerns being addressed as the infrastructure for electrification become more prevalent?
How is resilience being brought into the equation of electrification?
What has been and will be the impact of COVID-19 on customers of the utility?
What should the climate goals of electrification be – net zero carbon, net negative carbon, or zero emissions?
What is the role of energy efficiency in electrification? …and more
Abigail Anthony, Commissioner, Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission
Keynote Day 2
Amy Meyers Jaffe, Research Professor and Managing Director of the Climate Policy Lab, The Fletcher School, Tufts University
Featured Day 2
Shelee Kimura, President & CEO, Hawaiian Electric Company
2022 Program Committee
Colton Ching | Senior Vice President, Planning & Technology, Hawaiian Electric Frank De Rego Jr. | Co-Chair, Conference Program Committee; Director of Business Development Projects, Maui Economic Development Board, Inc. Alex De Roode | Energy Commissioner, Office of Economic Development County of Maui Jacqui Hoover | Co Chair, Conference Program Committee; Executive Director and COO Hawaii Island Economic Development Board (HIEDB); and President Hawaii Leeward Planning Jonathan Koehn | Chief Sustainability & Resilience Officer, City of Boulder Doug McLeod |Member, DKK Energy Services, LLC Robert “Rocky” Mould | Executive Director, Hawaii Solar Energy Association Tricia Rohlfing | Vice President of Finance, Hawaii Pacific Solar Maria Tome | Managing Director, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Hawaii State Energy Office
The Energy Transition in Hawaii: Focus on investments in people and projects
There are many ways to invest in the future of energy in Hawaii. It will take creativity and hard work from project developers; the community, including indigenous groups; regulators; and energy service providers to come up with projects that are acceptable for all concerned. Building trust and respect between stakeholders within the context of equitable community development will be a key metric of success. Any viable project will require substantial amounts of financial capital and an adequate return on investment. The skill development and job creation that results must take us towards a new energy economy. Every community faces similar challenges – how can we invest in people while designing energy projects that are financially viable, resilient, and enhance job skills?
The 8th Annual Hawaii Energy Conference was held virtually 22 and 24 June exploring how to invest with knowledge and respect in Hawaii.
KEYNOTE | CREATING TRANSFORMATIVE & INCLUSIVE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITH VIRTUAL POWER PLANTS Suleman Khan, CEO, Swell Energy
PANEL | INVESTING RESPECTFULLY IN HAWAII
PANEL | DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCES: CLEAN, AFFORDABLE, AND RESILIENT POWER FOR A CARBON-FREE ENERGY FUTURE
PANEL | HOW WILL ESG AFFECT ENERGY INVESTMENT IN HAWAII?
INTERVIEW | PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSIONER JENNIFER POTTER
PANEL | POSSIBLE FEDERAL DECARBONIZATION STANDARDS – HOW COULD THAT CHANGE POLICIES, PLANS, RULES, AND REGULATION IN HAWAII? – Sponsored by Hawaiian Electric
SPOTLIGHT TALK | INVESTING IN EVs – Sponsored by Ulupono Initiative
THURSDAY JUNE 24
WELCOME TO DAY TWO
INVITED TALK | STOP OVERPAYING FOR SOLAR: AND OTHER PATHWAYS TO AFFORDABLE BILLS Mark Toney, Executive Director, The Utility Reform Network (TURN)
HAWAII’S INCLUSIVE ENERGY TRANSITION
COMMUNITY INSIGHTS: DIFFERENT VIEWS, SIMILAR GOALS
SPOTLIGHT TALK | HYDROGEN
PANEL | CARBON PRICING
INTERVIEW WITH DAWN LIPPERT, ELEMENTAL EXCELERATOR
PANEL | HOW TO MEASURE THE ENERGY BURDEN AND DESIGNING PROGRAMS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY POST-COVID
PANEL | DEPLOYING UTILITY-SCALE RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS ACROSS THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS: HIGHLIGHTS AND COMPARISONS FROM INDIVIDUAL ISLANDS
CONFERENCE CLOSING
Meet the 2021 Program Committee
Caroline Carl | Deputy Director, Hawaii Energy Colton Ching| Senior Vice President, Planning & Technology, Hawaiian Electric Frank De Rego Jr. | Vice Chair, Conference Program Committee; Director of Business Development Projects, Maui Economic Development Board, Inc. Alex De Roode | Energy Commissioner, Office of Economic Development County of Maui Jonathan Koehn| Chief Sustainability & Resilience Officer, City of Boulder Doug McLeod| Chair, Conference Program Committee; Member, DKK Energy Services, LLC Robert “Rocky” Mould | Executive Director, Hawaii Solar Energy Association Tricia Rohlfing | Vice President of Finance, Hawaii Pacific Solar Maria Tome | Managing Director, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Hawaii State Energy Office
