Hawaii Electric Light Co., the electric utility on the Big Island, has gained decoupling approval, according to HEI’s quarterly earnings call Thursday. 

Decoupling allows the electric utility to delink its sales from profits, which ideally allows the utility to support energy efficiency measures without it impacting its bottom line. 

Here’s a an explanation from The Solar Alliance. 

Hawaiian Electric Co. on Oahu has already implemented decoupling. Maui Electric Co. is still awaiting PUC approval. 

UPDATE: Decoupling will take effect after the the electric utility’s rate request is finalized — the PUC issued a decision and order this week requesting HELCO to submit revised financial information. The PUC ruling could result in slightly lower rates for Big Island customers, according to a press release issued by HELCO.