PUC ruling may lower electric rates

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission Wednesday issued a final decision for Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s 2010 rate case. The decision may result in a small reduction in electric rates for Hawaii Island electric customers going forward.

HELCO must still perform a detailed calculations to implement the rate adjustment, which must be approved by the PUC. The Hawaii State Office of Consumer Advocacy will also review the calculations. Previously, the PUC had approved a 1.74 percent interim increase, or $6 million in revenues, which has been reflected on electric bills since January 2011.

The 2010 rate case, filed in 2009, was requested to help pay for more than $200 million in capital improvements that are already serving customers.