Hawaii Invests in a More Resilient and Modern Electric Grid
Hawaiian Electric is moving forward with a number of projects designed to improve the reliability, resilience and flexibility of Hawaii’s electric system as the state increases its use of renewable energy.
The utility’s current grid-modernization strategy focuses on improving the ability of the electric system to integrate renewable resources, increase visibility and control of the grid, support two-way energy flows and improve resilience during severe weather and other disruptions.
In July 2026, Hawaiian Electric also submitted a major Integrated Grid Planning Request for Proposals (IGP RFP) seeking additional renewable energy and energy-storage resources for Oʻahu, Hawaii Island and Maui. The company described the solicitation as one of its largest-ever energy procurements.
What This Means for Hawaii Residents
For homeowners and businesses, grid modernization is about more than producing electricity.
The projects are intended to help the system:
- Improve reliability
- Recover more quickly from outages
- Integrate more solar and other renewable resources
- Better manage changing electricity demand
- Strengthen infrastructure against severe weather
- Improve monitoring and control of the electric network
Hawaiian Electric says its resilience efforts are designed to help the system withstand severe weather and other hazards while enabling faster recovery.
Smart-Grid Technology Is Part of the Strategy
Hawaiian Electric’s grid-modernization program includes technologies that allow the utility to collect more information from the electrical system and respond more effectively to changing conditions.
The utility describes grid modernization as incorporating communications and information technologies that help manage how electricity is produced, consumed, stored and delivered.
Advanced meters
Advanced meters allow two-way communication between customers and Hawaiian Electric through a secure communications network.
The meters provide customers with more detailed information about their electricity use and are an important component of Hawaiian Electric’s broader modernization efforts.
Automated grid equipment
Hawaiian Electric is also deploying equipment designed to improve the ability of the grid to isolate problems and manage electrical circuits.
Its 2025–2027 wildfire safety strategy includes plans for additional smart reclosers, motor-operated switches and distribution automation technologies, including an Advanced Distribution Management System for Oʻahu.
Oʻahu Is Seeing Significant Infrastructure Investment
Oʻahu is currently seeing several major electric-infrastructure projects.
One of the most significant is the modernization of the Waiau Power Plant in Pearl City. Hawaiian Electric is replacing six aging steam generators with newer, more efficient aeroderivative combustion turbines.
The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission approved the project in March 2026. The first two new units are scheduled to enter commercial operation in 2029, with additional units expected in 2031 and 2033.
When completed, the Waiau project is expected to add 252 megawatts of firm generation capacity, helping provide reliable electricity when variable renewable resources such as solar and wind are unavailable.
West Oʻahu Infrastructure Improvements
Another project is planned for Kalaeloa in West Oʻahu.
Beginning in September 2026, Hawaiian Electric plans to replace approximately 12,500 feet of existing 46-kilovolt overhead power lines along Roosevelt Avenue.
The project also includes underground circuit work and replacement of utility poles. Construction is expected to be completed and the upgraded system placed into service by the end of April 2027.
The project is intended to improve reliability and support projected electricity demand in West Oʻahu.
Strengthening the Grid Against Severe Weather
Grid resilience has become an important part of Hawaiian Electric’s infrastructure planning.
The company is seeking approval for approximately $190 million over five years for its proposed Climate Adaptation Transmission and Distribution Resilience Program. The proposed work includes strengthening critical transmission lines and distribution infrastructure serving important community facilities such as hospitals, communications facilities, water systems and emergency shelters.
Hawaiian Electric has also been carrying out targeted pole-replacement and grid-hardening projects.
For example, in June 2026 the company announced plans to replace aging wooden utility poles along portions of West Oʻahu’s Farrington Highway corridor and other areas as part of its efforts to improve resilience and reduce wildfire-related risks.
Renewable Energy and Battery Storage
Modernizing Hawaii’s grid is also closely connected to the state’s renewable-energy goals.
Hawaiian Electric’s 2026 Integrated Grid Planning process seeks additional renewable generation and energy-storage resources on Oʻahu, Hawaii Island and Maui.
The company says the procurement is intended to help meet growing electricity demand, modernize the generation fleet and reduce reliance on oil-fired power generation.
Hawaii’s Public Utilities Commission is also developing a Virtual Power Plant program that would make greater use of customer-owned resources such as rooftop solar and battery storage to support grid operations.
What This Could Mean for Homeowners
For homeowners, these infrastructure improvements could eventually mean a more flexible and resilient electricity system.
Residents may also see construction activity associated with:
- Utility-pole replacement
- Power-line upgrades
- Substation improvements
- New grid-control equipment
- Renewable-energy projects
- Battery-storage facilities
- Underground electrical infrastructure
Individual projects will affect communities differently, so residents should check Hawaiian Electric’s project announcements for information about construction schedules and potential service impacts.
What This Means for HOAs and Community Associations
Grid improvements can also be relevant to Hawaii’s HOAs and community associations.
Boards and managers may want to monitor utility projects that could affect:
- Common-area electrical infrastructure
- Construction access
- Landscaping near utility corridors
- Community power reliability
- Emergency preparedness
- Solar and battery-storage projects
- Future development capacity
Communities should also maintain emergency communication plans in case of prolonged power interruptions caused by storms, wildfires or other major events.
Looking Ahead
Hawaiian Electric’s broader Integrated Grid Planning process is entering its second cycle from 2026 through 2030.
The process is intended to guide the development of a safer, more resilient and reliable grid while Hawaii continues transitioning toward greater use of renewable energy.
The utility’s current projects demonstrate that modernization is happening across multiple areas rather than through one single construction program.
What Residents Can Do
Residents can take several practical steps:
1. Monitor Hawaiian Electric project announcements.
Check whether infrastructure projects are planned near your community.
2. Prepare for temporary outages.
Keep emergency supplies and backup plans available.
3. Consider energy efficiency.
Reducing electricity consumption can help households manage energy costs.
4. Learn about solar and battery programs.
Homeowners interested in renewable energy should review current Hawaiian Electric and state programs.
5. Follow official outage information.
Use Hawaiian Electric’s official channels during storms and other emergencies.
Final Takeaway
Hawaii’s electric grid is undergoing multiple modernization and resilience projects, with major activity occurring on Oʻahu and across the other islands served by Hawaiian Electric.
The current work includes advanced grid technologies, generation modernization, renewable-energy and battery-storage procurement, utility infrastructure upgrades and projects designed to strengthen the system against severe weather and other disruptions.
For homeowners and community associations, the practical takeaway is that energy infrastructure is becoming an increasingly important part of Hawaii’s long-term community resilience and development planning.