2017-11-14 Ltr to Luis P. Salaveria, Director re: State Energy Plan

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Harry Kim Manor Will Okabe Managing Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director County of Hawaii Office of the Mayor 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 November 14, 2017 Mr. Luis P. Salaveria, Director Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism No. 1 Capitol District Building 250 South Hotel Street, Room 507 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Director Salaveria: RE: State Energy Plan Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Draft Hawai'i State Energy Plan ("HSEP"). Overall, the HSEP represents a comprehensive and ambitious collection of energy initiatives. Specifically, the HSEP appropriately plans for the variety of utility scale and distributed generation energy projects needed to meet the State's 100 renewable energy goals, and it is well calibrated to the abundant and diverse resources available State-wide. More specifically, the HSEP maintains a focus on cost-effectiveness. Of foremost concern for the County of Hawai'i is the impact that the HSEP will have on the economy, consumers, and ratepayers. It will be of the utmost importance to implement cost controls to reduce energy expenses and to closely monitor cost and rate increases as the plan is implemented. In addition, the HSEP stresses the fundamental importance of system reliability and resilience. Hawai'i County is vulnerable to many natural disasters, so it is paramount that electrical and transportation systems be designed to provide safe and reliable operation under a range of conditions. County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.