Opponents of NextEra Energy’s $4.3 billion bid to buy Hawaiian Electric have publicly blasted the merger. But that posturing has sparked negotiations that over the next few months should lead to more benefits and cost-savings for consumers.

Hawaii is making a big-money gamble as it shifts from oil-powered electric generation to renewable energy sources, infusing the industry with its own new energy.

Oil prices dropped by half, but Hawaii electricity rates decreased just 18 percent. How is that possible?