In 2014, NextEra Energy Inc. proposed a merger with Hawaii Electric Industries, Inc (HEI). The merger was subsequently rejected by the state Public Utilities Commission and then-Gov. David Ige.
State Rep. Chris Lee, chairman of the House Energy and Environmental Protection Committee, said, “This decision is a huge win for local consumers and affirms that from this day forward major utility decisions must make the interests of local residents a priority …”
In south Florida where we live, NextEra and its subsidiary, Florida Power & Light (FPL), have hardened our power grid system by burying lines or replacing wooden power poles with concrete or steel poles.
They are well-managed and prepared for any emergency, including staging sites located throughout their service area for immediate response.
NextEra is the largest wind and solar company in North America, well-capitalized and traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
When the state rejected the NextEra offer, we thought it short-sighted. The merger could have brought state-of-the-art technology, improved electricity service, emergency preparedness and enhanced living conditions to the Hawaiian islands.
Dudley Omura
North Palm Beach, Fla.
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