Gov. Neil Abercrombie will forward the name of his interim appointee to the Public Utilities Commission to the state Senate for confirmation, ending talk that the nomination might be reconsidered.

Abercrombie appointed Michael Champley, a Maui-based energy consultant, in September to fill a vacancy on the three-member regulatory commission. But the governor had not sent the nomination to the Senate for its consideration, and the administration had scheduled a private meeting to discuss Champley’s energy views.

Donalyn Dela Cruz, the governor’s spokes­woman, said Thursday that Abercrombie did not meet with Champley as expected because of schedule conflicts. She said the governor did speak with Champley briefly on the phone.

Blake Oshiro, the governor’s deputy chief of staff, met with Champley to gauge whether he still wanted the appointment and to discuss his ideas for improving how the commission functions.

Developing alternative energy to reduce the state’s reliance on imported oil is a priority for the Abercrombie administration. Several sources, speaking privately, have said the administration has been frustrated with PUC decisions and cumbersome processes.

“I wouldn’t say it’s frustration as much as whether things can be done more efficiently and effectively,” Oshiro said.

Champley declined to comment on his conversations with the governor and administration staff, describing the discussions as private.

Environmental and alternative energy groups contacted the Abercrombie administration on Champley’s behalf earlier this week when it appeared his nomination might be in trouble. Champley was a senior executive with an electric and gas energy company on the mainland before moving to Hawaii, and many consider his expertise an asset for the commission.