MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission announced the beginning of the next cycle of the Integrated Resource Planning process for Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. (HECO), Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. (HELCO), and Maui Electric Company, Limited (MECO) (collectively, the Hawaiian Electric Companies).

The overall goal of the IRP is to develop an action plan that governs how the Hawaiian Electric Companies will reliably meet the energy needs of their customers while at the same time meet the State’s clean energy policies and goals.

This docket is to be followed by commencement of the IRP cycles for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative and The Gas Company in the near future.In March 2011, the PUC adopted a revised framework to govern energy resource planning by energy utilities in the State of Hawaii.

The revised framework incorporates for the first time the concept of scenario planning, which is designed to capture variations in planning assumptions and forecasts as well as high level planning estimates of the costs and benefits of resource options. The revised framework also calls for a more robust Advisory Group, selected by the PUC.

These elements are expected to improve the quality of IRP process and build community awareness and support in the face of difficult choices that may have to be made to achieve the State’s energy goals.

The Advisory Group represents interests that are affected by the Hawaiian Electric Companies’ resource plans and its members should have the ability to provide significant perspective or useful expertise in the development of the resource plans.

Members of the Advisory Group may include State and county agencies, environmental, cultural, business, and community interest groups. Individuals interested in serving on the Advisory Group may apply to the PUC via United States mail by sending a letter of interest together with a resume or curriculum vitae, and referencing the IRP and Docket No. 2012-0036.

Letters should be sent to the Public Utilities Commission, 465 SouthKing Street #103, Honolulu, HI 96813.

The deadline for applying to serve on the Advisory Group is June 11, 2012.

Interested persons may also provide suggestions on what persons or groups should serve on the Advisory Group. The PUC is also seeking input from the public at this time on which key policy and technical issues should be considered in the IRP. Such public guidance relating to IRP issues can be submitted to the PUC via United States mail at the address stated above.