Tag

Hawaiian Electric

All articles tagged with #hawaiian electric

disaster-response1 year ago

"Maui Fire Report Reveals Utility's Slow Response and Communication Failures"

A new report by the Hawaii attorney general's office reveals that Hawaiian Electric did not respond promptly to alerts of its power lines breaking before the deadly Maui fire last August, with a utility worker arriving on scene hours after the initial alert. The report raises questions about how the utility and public agencies handled the fire, emphasizing the link between hurricanes and wildfires. The investigation also highlights deficiencies in emergency response, including understaffing and lack of preparedness, while lawsuits and subpoenas continue to seek answers about the disaster.

weather1 year ago

"Hawaii Islands Bracing for Severe Rain and Flash Flooding"

Oahu is bracing for heavy rains as a cold front from the northwest is expected to bring about two to three inches of rain in several areas, with storms progressing into Monday. The Department of Emergency Management is on standby, particularly monitoring areas that don't handle runoff well. Hawaiian Electric is working to restore power to about 12,000 customers in East Oahu, and the National Weather Service notes that this rainy season has been wetter than usual, advising communities to prioritize safety and allow extra time for morning commutes.

energy-outages1 year ago

"Hawaiian Electric Resolves Emergency Outages Across Islands"

Hawaiian Electric initiated rolling outages on Hawai‘i Island due to a generation shortfall, affecting about 25,500 customers, but has since lifted the request to conserve electricity and restored power to all affected customers. The outages were caused by two turbine units going offline, resulting in the need to shed load and force power outages around the island. The utility is addressing the issues and responding to outages, with the impacted areas and timing of outages based on electric demand.

weatherpower-outage2 years ago

"Widespread Power Outages Hit Oahu Amid Strong Winds and Green Energy Debate"

Thousands of customers in Haleiwa, Kaneohe, Ala Moana, and Kailua are without power due to weather-related issues, with Hawaiian Electric reporting outages in these areas. The outages are attributed to the impact of winds and vegetation blowing into power lines, with around 1,235 customers affected in the Ala Moana area, approximately 4,990 customers in Kaneohe, and around 1,510 customers in Haleiwa. First responders are investigating, and Hawaiian Electric assures that the outages are not related to the rolling outages experienced the previous week, with crews working to repair the issues.

environment2 years ago

"Controversy Erupts Over Power Line's Role in Maui Wildfire"

Hawaiian Electric has admitted that its power lines caused a wildfire in Maui, but has blamed county firefighters for leaving the scene prematurely, leading to a second, more devastating fire. The utility claims that its power lines were de-energized for over six hours before the second blaze started. However, lawyers representing Maui county argue that Hawaiian Electric is ultimately responsible for maintaining its equipment and ensuring that lines are not live when they are downed. The cause of the initial fire is still under investigation, and the utility is facing multiple lawsuits seeking to hold it accountable.

environment2 years ago

Neglected power lines and exposed wires blamed for deadly Maui fires

Bare, uninsulated electrical wires and leaning, outdated power poles were potential causes of the deadly Maui fires in Hawaii. Videos and images analyzed by The Associated Press confirmed that the wires were left exposed to the weather and foliage by Hawaiian Electric, despite efforts by other utilities in wildfire-prone areas to cover or bury their lines. Many of the utility's wooden power poles were described as built to an obsolete standard and were near the end of their projected lifespan. Experts agree that insulated wires would not have sparked and caused fires in dry vegetation. Hawaiian Electric is now facing lawsuits and criticism for not shutting off power during high wind warnings and for its lack of action in addressing the issue of bare wire. Other utilities in California have taken steps to eliminate uninsulated wire and bury electrical lines in high-risk areas.

lawsuit2 years ago

Hawaiian Electric's Role in Deadly Maui Fires Sparks Lawsuit and Scrutiny

Maui County has filed a lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric, claiming that the utility's failure to power down their electrical equipment during a National Weather Service Red Flag Warning caused catastrophic wildfires in Maui. The suit alleges that Hawaiian Electric's downed power lines ignited dry grass and brush, leading to the fires. The county is seeking civil damages for public property affected by the blazes, which have resulted in numerous deaths and extensive property damage. This is not the first lawsuit faced by Hawaiian Electric, as at least two class action lawsuits have already been filed blaming the utility for sparking deadly infernos.

lawsuit2 years ago

Hawaiian Electric's Negligence Sparks Legal Battle and Fire Investigation in Maui

Maui County has filed a lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric Co. and three related companies, alleging negligence for failing to shut off power lines despite warnings of potential fires. The county seeks damages and compensation for the destruction of public property and infrastructure. The lawsuit claims that the powerlines ignited the destructive Lahaina Fire, which destroyed residences, businesses, and historic sites. Hawaiian Electric is also facing other lawsuits related to the fires.

lawsuit2 years ago

Maui County Files Lawsuit Against Hawaiian Electric for Deadly Wildfires

Maui county has filed a lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric, alleging negligence in failing to shut off power during high winds and dry conditions, which led to wildfires that killed at least 115 people and caused significant damage. The lawsuit claims that the utility had a duty to maintain and repair power lines and equipment, as well as trim vegetation to prevent contact with overhead lines. The county seeks compensation for public property damage and resources. Similar lawsuits have held other utilities liable for devastating fires, such as PacifiCorp and Pacific Gas and Electric.

business2 years ago

Hawaiian Electric's Value Plummets Amidst Maui Wildfires and Legal Troubles

Hawaiian Electric stocks have plummeted by over two-thirds since the Maui wildfires, with analysts predicting that the recent jump in stock price is unlikely to last. Wells Fargo analysts believe that the utility company is essentially worth zero dollars due to the extensive devastation and potential liabilities. The cause of the fires is still under investigation, with downed power lines and decisions by Hawaiian Electric being examined. The investigation could take months or years to conclude, and the extent of the company's insurance coverage is likely insufficient to cover potential liabilities.

finance2 years ago

Hawaiian Electric Seeks Expert Advice to Strengthen Utility Amidst Challenges

Wall Street bond brokers are reaching out to investors to gauge interest in discounted bonds tied to Hawaiian Electric Industries, as the utility faces potential liabilities following deadly wildfires in Maui. Jefferies Financial Group and Seaport Group are among the firms soliciting interest in the rarely traded private placement notes at distressed levels, while several banks are making markets in the company's municipal bonds. The utility's muni bonds have plunged since the wildfires, and S&P Global Ratings recently downgraded Hawaiian Electric Industries to junk. There is speculation that the company may consider seeking Chapter 11 protection to address its liabilities, similar to PG&E Corp. in 2019.

energy2 years ago

Hawaiian Electric's Neglect Ignites Maui Wildfires

Hawaiian Electric, the utility company in Hawaii, was aware of infrastructure issues that could contribute to a wildfire threat but focused on shifting towards renewable energy instead of addressing the problems. Despite identifying the need for investments in preventing power line sparks and drafting a plan for wildfire prevention, the company invested less than $250,000 in wildfire projects over two years. The company now faces scrutiny regarding the role its power lines may have played in the deadliest wildfire in U.S. history. Witnesses reported that Hawaiian Electric trucks were blocking roads during the fire, hindering residents' escape.

energyenvironment2 years ago

Hawaiian Electric's Neglect of Wildfire Safety Raises Concerns Amid Renewable Energy Focus

Hawaiian Electric, Hawaii's largest electricity supplier, prioritized its pursuit of renewable energy over wildfire prevention, spending only $245,000 on wildfire-specific projects between 2019 and 2022. The utility company focused on converting to renewables after a spike in oil prices in 2008 and a state mandate to derive 100% of electricity from renewable sources by 2045. However, this focus may have come at the cost of fire mitigation, as the company is now facing scrutiny for not shutting down power lines during high winds that contributed to devastating wildfires in Maui. Proposed class action lawsuits have been filed against Hawaiian Electric, alleging negligence in maintaining the grid and failure to prevent the fires.

business2 years ago

"Top Stock Movers: Walmart, CVS Health, Adobe, and More"

Cisco Systems' shares rise 4% after beating earnings expectations, while Walmart's stock falls 2% despite surpassing estimates and raising its full-year forecast. Hawaiian Electric tumbles 15% due to concerns over potential liability in Maui's wildfires, and CVS Health slides over 9% as Blue Shield of California ends its pharmacy benefits partnership. Adyen, Europe's rival to Stripe, loses 36% after reporting worse-than-expected sales and profit drop.