The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission is undertaking an ambitious and important effort to address energy equity issues across its work and in its role regulating public utilities across the state. While the PUC has been addressing equity issues ad hoc for many years, in December 2022, the PUC opened a proceeding (Docket No. 2022-0250)1 dedicated to addressing equity in a holistic manner. The Hawaii State Legislature also passed multiple resolutions requesting that the Commission analyze issues such as rate discounts for lowincome and vulnerable customers and benefits for communities that host energy infrastructure.2 This proceeding began with two public meetings to provide context on the role and activities of the PUC, to discuss the Commission’s envisioned approach for the docket, and to solicit input and hear from stakeholders. The Commission used feedback received to develop a draft workplan that considered five major topic areas for work and a highlevel timeline for the proceeding. In response to the workplan, stakeholders strongly suggested that the Commission do more community outreach and engagement to ensure that impacted groups and communities inform the work and approach. The Commission agrees with these comments and recognizes the need for specialized expertise to be successful in reaching out to impacted groups and communities.3
