HECO says it’s going to have to raise its rates for customers because so much rooftop solar is going up throughout the islands, resulting in a reduction in sales. 

The electric utility still has to cover its operating expenses, which are distributed over a shrinking customer base — thus the higher rates. 

But there’s been little mention of the state’s energy efficiency push, which would cause a significant decrease in sales — 30 percent by 2030 if goals are met — which would have the same effect as rooftop PV. 

Ray Starling, who heads the state’s energy efficiency program, told Civil Beat that it didn’t seem like a fair analysis to place the blame on solar.

“Next time (HECO) will be saying we shouldn’t be changing out our incandescent light bulbs because everyone’s costs are going to go up,” he said.