The Public Utilities Commission will hold public hearings in December on Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s proposed rate increase for Hawaii island residents.
The PUC will conduct a public hearing in Hilo on Dec. 13 and in Kona on Dec. 14. HELCO is asking for a base-rate increase of $19.3 million, or 6.5 percent. If approved by the PUC, a typical residential customer on the Big Island using 500 kilowatt-hours per month will see a $9.31 monthly bill increase.
The meetings will begin at 5:30 p.m. on their respective days. On Dec. 13 the meeting will be held in the Hilo High School Cafeteria at 556 Waianuenue Ave. On Dec. 14 the meeting will be held in the West Hawaii Civic Center at County Council Chambers, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway.
Canada to phase out coal-fired electricity
TORONTO >> Canada announced Monday it plans phase out the use of coal-fired electricity by 2030. The move is in stark contrast to President-elect Donald Trump’s vow to revive the American coal industry.
Environment Minister Kathleen McKenna said the goal is to make sure 90 percent of Canada’s electricity comes from sustainable sources by that time — up from 80 percent today.
The announcement is one of a series of measures Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government is rolling out as part of a broader climate change plan.
Koch Industries to buy glass maker
NEW YORK >> Koch Industries says it is buying glass maker Guardian Industries, a company that the conglomerate had already been an investor in.
Koch says it will pay cash to buy the remaining 55.5 percent of Guardian shares that it doesn’t already own. Koch has been an investor in Guardian since 2012.
The companies, which are privately held, did not disclose financial terms of the deal.
ON THE MOVE
Hawaiian Building Maintenance has promoted Adam Baker to vice president of engineering operations. He joined the firm as a chief engineer in 2015 and was former chief engineer for Ward Village Portfolio in Hawaii.
Porter McGuire Kiakona and Chow have announced Bryan W.H. Chee has joined the law firm as an associate attorney. He will focus on the firm’s condominium and community association section, serving clients on the neighbor islands as well as Oahu.
First Insurance Co. of Hawaii has appointed Daniel J. Patterson as the new manager of FiRMS Claims Services. He has more than 25 years of management and claims experience in the insurance industry locally.
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