Hawaii Needs Affordable, Cleaner, and Reliable Energy — Now

Hawaii’s households and businesses face the highest electricity rates in the nation.1 On Oahu, heavy dependence on imported oil leaves the grid vulnerable to price volatility, outages, and growing reliability risks. As demand rises and aging infrastructure strains the system, the urgency to act continues to grow.

Oahu is Facing an Energy Crisis

electric plug

Highest electricity prices in the U.S.

Hawaii households pay nearly 3x the national average for electricity.1

oil well

Heavy dependence on foreign oil

About 67% of Oahu’s electricity is generated by burning oil — the highest dependence in the country.2

electrical grid

Frequent Blackouts

Nearly 20% of Hawaiian Electric’s generation fleet has recently been offline or operating well below capacity.3

electricity

Growing Energy Demand

The state's electricity demand is projected to nearly double over the next 20 years.3

A Practical Path Forward

Oahu’s energy challenges require solutions that keep power reliable while bringing costs down. The Coalition for Hawaii’s Energy Future brings together local organizations, community leaders, and energy experts to advance practical strategies that strengthen the grid and support cleaner, more affordable energy for everyone.

Learn more about the state-led analysis shaping Hawaii’s energy transition — and the near-term options that can reduce oil dependence and improve grid performance.

Charting Our Energy Path
  1. U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2025, May 15). Hawaii State Energy Profile.

  2. U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Plant Fuel Monthly, Supply and Disposition of Energy Reports; PUC Docket Filing 2007-0008 Renewable Portfolio Law Examination 2023.

  3. Hawaiʻi State Energy Office. (2025). Alternative fuels, repowering, and energy transition study.

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