Tag

Electric Infrastructure

All articles tagged with #electric infrastructure

tragedy2 years ago

Maui Fire Victims Seek Answers at Washington Oversight Hearing

Grieving family members and survivors of the Maui wildfires have gathered in Washington D.C. to seek answers and accountability regarding the fatal disaster. The U.S. House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations is conducting a hearing to investigate Hawaiian Electric's possible role in the fires. The families impacted by the tragedy have submitted written testimony, describing how the fire has affected them. While they will not be called on for in-person testimony, they hope to find some accountability for those who may have played a role in the tragedy.

natural-disasters2 years ago

Investigation into Maui wildfires and HECO's role sparks congressional hearing

Hawaii energy and utility officials faced questioning from House members regarding the cause and prevention of the deadly Maui wildfires that claimed at least 97 lives and destroyed numerous homes and businesses. The President & CEO of Hawaiian Electric, Shelee Kimura, stated that power lines falling in high winds caused the initial fire, while the cause of the subsequent blaze that devastated Lahaina remains undetermined. The committee raised concerns about the company's protocols for shutting off power lines during extreme weather conditions and questioned actions taken to mitigate wildfire threats. Hawaiian Electric is now facing lawsuits alleging negligence for failing to de-energize their equipment despite a red flag warning.