PUC policy should favor consumers

The Public Utilities Commission, always in a position to affect consumers, has in recent years seemed more attuned to the first word of its name. The public interest in proposals for utility initiatives and rates has figured prominently in some of its recent decisions.

The commission’s work on a range of prominent issues — from the accommodation of photovoltaic power on the electric grid to the development of biofuels and the advent of liquefied natural gas as an alternative source — is the product of all three commissioners and the staff. However, former lawmaker Hermina Morita has chaired the commission since her appointment in 2011, so much of the credit for a clearer consumer focus should go to her.

This, as well as the fact that Hawaii is in the midst of several complex developments, makes this an awkward time to replace Morita on the panel, absent a compelling reason from Gov. Neil Abercrombie.

The governor is on the verge of deciding whether Morita, a 14-year veteran of the state House of Representatives, should be reappointed to the commission once her term expires at the end of June. Reports have swirled that she won’t be tapped for another term, spurring a number of lawmakers to offer testimonials in her favor. The state Senate must confirm whoever is named.

Abercrombie himself appointed Morita in 2011 to fill out the last three years of the former chairman, Carlito Caliboso. Appointment to a full term means another six years on the commission.

Many of her backers point out that the team now in place offers a range of skills that support strong decision-making. Morita would rejoin the other two commissioners: attorney Lorraine Akiba, with a background in environmental law and business litigation; and Michael Champley, a former Maui-based energy consultant and utility executive.

"It’s a great balance between legislative, utility and legal backgrounds," said Henry Curtis, executive director of Life of the Land and a close watcher of the PUC. "It seems to me the three commissioners work well together."

But Morita has been in the crosshairs for decisions affecting Aina Koa Pono, the biofuels company whose proposal for a contract with the Hawaiian Electric Light Co. on Hawaii island has been turned down twice. AKP has some highly placed supporters that made this a particularly sticky decision to make, politically. For example, the biofuel company was represented by William Kaneko, Abercrombie’s campaign manager.

But the PUC’s decisions on this cited concern that costs would drive up rates for consumers — and that principle should prevail.

Another sensitive decision point is the interisland cable, envisioned as a conduit for power from Maui’s wind energy turbines. Recent utility analyses have clouded its future somewhat, with solar development on this island likely offering the cheaper source.

The PUC’s cautious deliberations on the cable project, however, are entirely rational. A programmatic environmental impact statement on the project, being prepared for the federal Department of Energy, is due this spring to come out in draft form. And that should offer data that will help the PUC make a decision in the public interest.

"Hawaii has made good progress addressing energy issues, and Rep. Morita has been instrumental as one of the key lawmakers in making that happen," Abercrombie said upon appointing her three years ago. "She is clearly committed to advancing clean energy, and she will bring credibility, knowledge and leadership to improve the Public Utilities Commission.

"The PUC is the key to Hawaii’s energy future and connecting our islands so we can build a sustainable economy."

That was the correct assessment at the time, and it’s still correct. If the governor believes another person would be better suited to the post, he’ll owe an explanation to the public on why that is.