he-20251231
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-K
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Exact Name of Registrant Commission I.R.S. Employer
as Specified in Its Charter File Number Identification No.
State of Hawaii
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
1001 Bishop Street, Suite 2900, Honolulu, Hawaii96813 - Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (HEI)
1099 Alakea Street, Suite 2200, Honolulu, Hawaii96813 - Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. (Hawaiian Electric)
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(808) 543-5662 - HEI
(808) 543-7771 - Hawaiian Electric
Not applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Registrant Title of each class
Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. None
Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. Common Stock, par value $6-2/3 per share
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc.: Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.:
Non-accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☒
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. ☒ Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. ☐
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.
Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. ☐ Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant
to §240.10D-1(b).
Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. ☐ Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. ☐
Indicateby check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC. MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS (I)(1)(a) AND (b) OF FORM 10-K AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Selected sections of Proxy Statement of HEI for the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed-Part III
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Glossary of Terms ii
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements v
PART I
Item 1. Business 1
Item 1A. Risk Factors 14
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 26
Item 1C. Cybersecurity 26
Item 2. Properties 27
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 27
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 28
Information About Our Executive Officers (HEI) 28
PART II
Item 6. [Reserved] 29
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 62
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 63
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 152
Item 9B. Other Information 153
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections 153
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 154
Item 11. Executive Compensation 154
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services 156
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 156
i
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Defined below are certain terms used in this report:
Terms Definitions
ABL Facility Asset-based lending facility
ABOs Accumulated benefit obligations
ABR Alternate Base Rate
AES Hawaii AES Hawaii, Inc.
AFUDC Allowance for funds used during construction
AOCI Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
APBO Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
ARA Annual revenue adjustment
AROs Asset retirement obligations
ASC Accounting Standards Codification
ASU Accounting Standards Update
ATR Affiliate transaction requirements
BESS Battery Energy Storage System
Btu British thermal unit
CBRE Community-based renewable energy
CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
CSSM Collective Shared Savings Mechanism
D&O Decision and order from the PUC
DBF State of Hawaii Department of Budget and Finance
DER Distributed energy resources
DRIP HEI Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan
ECRC Energy cost recovery clause
EIP 2010 Equity and Incentive Plan, as amended
EO Executive Order
EPA Environmental Protection Agency - federal
EPRM Exceptional Project Recovery Mechanism
EPS Earnings per share
ERISA Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
ERL Environmental Response Law of the State of Hawaii
ERP/EAM Enterprise Resource Planning/Enterprise Asset Management
ESM Earnings Sharing Mechanism
Exchange Act Securities Exchange Act of 1934
FASB Financial Accounting Standards Board
federal U.S. Government
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Fitch Fitch Ratings, Inc.
GAAP Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
GHG Greenhouse gas
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS (continued)
Terms Definitions
GWh Gigawatt-hour/s (as applicable)
HE AR BRWR HE AR BRWR LLC, a direct subsidiary of HE AR INTER LLC
HEIRSP Hawaiian Electric Industries Retirement Savings Plan
HSFO High sulfur fuel oil
IIJA Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
IPP Independent power producer
Kaʻieʻie Waho Kaʻieʻie Waho Company, LLC, a former subsidiary of Pacific Current
Kalaeloa Kalaeloa Partners, L.P.
kW Kilowatt/s (as applicable)
kWh Kilowatt-hour/s (as applicable)
LSFO Low sulfur fuel oil
LTIP Long-term incentive plan
Mahipapa Mahipapa, LLC, a subsidiary of Pacific Current
Mauo Mauo, LLC, a former subsidiary of Pacific Current
MBtu Million British thermal unit
Moody’s Moody’s Investors Service’s
MPIR Major Project Interim Recovery
MRP Multi-year rate period
MW Megawatt/s (as applicable)
MWh Megawatt-hour/s (as applicable)
NA Not applicable
NPBC Net periodic benefits costs
NPPC Net periodic pension costs
O&M Other operation and maintenance
OPEB Postretirement benefits other than pension
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS (continued)
Terms Definitions
PBO Projected benefit obligation
PBR Performance-based regulation
PCB Polychlorinated biphenyls
PGV Puna Geothermal Venture
PIMs Performance incentive mechanisms
PPA Power purchase agreement
PPAC Purchased power adjustment clause
PSPS Public Safety Power Shutoff
PUC Public Utilities Commission of the State of Hawaii
PURPA Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978
PV Photovoltaic
QF Qualifying Facility under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978
RAM Revenue adjustment mechanism
RBA Revenue balancing account
RFPs Request for proposals
ROACE Return on average common equity
RORB Return on rate base
RPS Renewable portfolio standards
S&P S&P Global Ratings
SAIDI System Average Interruption Duration Index
SAIFI System Average Interruption Frequency Index
SEC Securities and Exchange Commission
SOFR Secured Overnight Financing Rate
SPRBs Special Purpose Revenue Bonds
SSM Shared Savings Mechanism
state State of Hawaii
ULSD Ultra-low sulfur diesel
VIE Variable interest entity
WMP Wildfire Mitigation Plan
WSS Wildfire Safety Strategy
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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This report and other presentations made by Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (HEI) and Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. (Hawaiian Electric) and their subsidiaries contain “forward-looking statements,” which include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions and usually include words such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “predicts,” “estimates” or similar expressions. In addition, any statements concerning future financial performance, ongoing business strategies or prospects or possible future actions are also forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and the accuracy of assumptions concerning HEI and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company), the performance of the industries in which they do business and economic, political and market factors, among other things. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.
Risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and from historical results include, but are not limited to, the following:
•the potential for further trade policy changes under the current administration could disrupt our supply chains and increase costs, e.g., the Utilities’ capital goods and equipment purchases and those of its independent power producers (IPPs) that contain components, sub-components, or raw materials sources from outside the U.S. could experience increases in costs, which could threaten the viability of projects and impact our ability to meet customer demand and the Utilities’ ability to achieve renewable portfolio standards (RPS) goals;
•the impact of the Maui windstorm and wildfires, including liabilities in excess of settlement amounts and potential regulatory penalties, which may result in significant costs that may be unrecoverable (or not reimbursed on a timely basis) through insurance and/or rates;
•an increase in insurance premiums and the inability to fully recover premiums through rates or the potential inability to obtain wildfire and general liability insurance coverage at reasonable rates, if available at all;
•the ability to raise the amount of capital necessary on reasonable terms, if at all, for the Company’s and the Utilities’ contribution to the Maui wildfire tort litigation settlement in order to alleviate future conditions that may cause substantial doubt about HEI’s and the Utilities’ ability to continue as a going concern;
•potential further dilution to existing shareholders if the Company raises funds by issuing additional equity or equity-linked securities;
•the inability to execute financing plans to alleviate future conditions that may cause substantial doubt about HEI’s and the Utilities’ ability to continue as a going concern prior to the issuance of their respective annual financial statements, which could result in an event of default and an acceleration of the Company’s and the Utilities’ debt and lead to filing for bankruptcy protection if waivers from lenders are not received;
•extreme weather events, including windstorms and other natural disasters, particularly those driven or exacerbated by evolving climate dynamics, which could increase the risk of the Utilities’ equipment being damaged, becoming inoperable or contributing to a wildfire;
•future suspension, material reduction or extended delay in dividends or other distributions from operating subsidiaries to HEI;
•further downgrades by securities rating agencies in their ratings of the securities of HEI and Hawaiian Electric and their impact on results of financing efforts;
•the risks of suffering losses and incurring liabilities that are uninsured (e.g., damages to the Utilities’ transmission and distribution system and losses from business interruption) or underinsured (e.g., losses not covered as a result of insurance deductibles or other exclusions or exceeding policy limits), and the risks associated with the operation of transmission and distribution assets and power generation facilities, including public and employee safety issues, and assets causing or contributing to wildfires;
•international, national and local economic and political conditions—including the state of the Hawaii tourism, defense and construction industries; the strength or weakness of the Hawaii and continental U.S. real estate markets; decisions concerning the extent of the presence of the federal government and military in Hawaii; the implications and potential impacts of federal government shutdowns, including the impact to the Utilities’ customers’ ability to pay their electric bills and the impact on the State of Hawaii economy; the implications and potential impacts of U.S. and foreign capital and credit market conditions and federal, state and international responses to those conditions; the potential impacts of global and local developments (including global economic conditions and uncertainties, unrest, terrorist acts, wars, conflicts, political protests, deadly virus epidemic or other crisis); the effects of changes that have or may occur in U.S. policy, such as with respect to immigration and trade; and pandemics;
•the ability to adequately address risks and capitalize on opportunities related to the Company’s and the Utilities’ sustainability priority areas, which include safety, reliability and resilience, including relating to wildfires and other extreme weather events, decarbonization, economic health and affordability, secure digitalization, human capital management, employee engagement, and climate-related risks and opportunities;
•citizen activism, including civil unrest, especially in times of severe economic depression and heightened social and political divisions, which could negatively impact customers and employees, impair the ability of the Company and the Utilities to operate and maintain their facilities in an effective and safe manner, and citizen or stakeholder activism that could delay the
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construction, increase project costs or preclude the completion of third-party or Utility projects that are required to meet electricity demand, resilience and reliability objectives and RPS and other climate-related goals;
•the effects of actions or inaction of the U.S. government or related agencies, including those related to the U.S. debt ceiling or budget funding, monetary policy, trade policy, energy and environmental policy, and other policy and regulatory changes advanced or proposed by the current administration;
•weather, natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, lightning strikes, lava flows and the effects of evolving climate dynamics, such as more severe storms, flooding, droughts, heat waves, and rising sea levels) and wildfires, including their impact on the resilience and reliability and cost of the Company’s and Utilities’ operations, and the economy;
•the timing, speed and extent of changes in interest rates and the shape of the yield curve, which could result in higher borrowing costs and changes in market liquidity;
•the continued ability of the Company and the Utilities to access the credit and capital markets to fund necessary investments and expenditures (e.g., to obtain short-term and long-term debt financing, including lines of credit, and, in the case of HEI, to issue common stock) under volatile and challenging market conditions, and the potential higher cost of such financings, if available, and due to the uncertainties associated with the costs related to the Maui windstorm and wildfires;
•the risks inherent in changes in the value of the Company’s pension and other retirement plan assets, and the risks inherent in changes in the value of the Company’s pension liabilities, including changes driven by stock market values, interest rates and mortality improvements;
•changes in laws, regulations (including tax regulations), market conditions, interest rates and other factors that result in changes in assumptions used to calculate retirement benefits costs and funding requirements;
•the potential delay by the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Hawaii (PUC) in considering (and potential disapproval of actual or proposed) proposals related to wildfire safety, renewable energy or grid resiliency, among others, and related costs; reliance by the Utilities on outside parties such as the State, IPPs and developers; supply-chain challenges; and uncertainties surrounding technologies, solar power, wind power, biofuels, liquefied natural gas, environmental assessments required to meet RPS and other climate-related goals; the impacts of implementation of the wildfire mitigation, renewable energy and resilience proposals on future costs of electricity and potential penalties imposed by the PUC for delays in the commercial operations of renewable energy projects;
•the ability of the Utilities to develop, execute and recover the implementation costs of the Utilities’ action plans included in their Integrated Grid Plan, which was accepted by the PUC in 2024, due to the recent issuance of the PUC’s 2024 Inclinations on the Future of Energy in Hawaii, Governor Josh Green’s Executive Order No. 25-01, Accelerating Hawaii’s Transition Toward 100 Percent Renewable Energy, and the Hawaii State Energy Office’s Alternative Fuel, Repowering and Energy Transition Study on the aforementioned plans of the Utilities;
•the ability of the Utilities to recover undepreciated cost of fossil fuel generating units, if they are required to be retired before the end of their expected useful life;
•capacity and supply constraints or difficulties, especially if generating units (utility-owned or IPP-owned) fail or measures such as demand-side management, distributed generation, combined heat and power or other firm capacity supply-side resources fall short of achieving their forecasted benefits or are otherwise insufficient to reduce or meet peak demand;
•high and/or volatile fuel prices, which increases working capital requirements and customer bills, or delivery of adequate fuel by suppliers (including as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East), which could affect the reliability of utility operations, and the continued availability to the Utilities of their energy cost recovery clauses (ECRCs);
•the continued availability to the Utilities or modifications of other cost recovery mechanisms, including the purchased power adjustment clauses (PPACs), annual revenue adjustment (ARA) and pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions (OPEB) tracking mechanisms, and the continued decoupling of revenues from sales to mitigate the effects of declining kilowatt-hour sales;
•the ability of the Utilities to recover increasing or additional costs (e.g., due to trade policies imposed by the current administration or other factors impacting prices) and earn a reasonable return on capital investments not covered by the ARA, while providing the customer dividend required by performance-based regulation (PBR);
•the impact from the PUC’s modification of the PBR for the Utilities pursuant to Act 005, Session Laws 2018, including the potential changes to existing and/or addition of new performance incentive mechanisms (PIMs), third-party proposals adopted by the PUC, and the implications of not achieving performance incentive goals;
•the impact of fuel price levels and volatility on customer satisfaction and political and regulatory support for the Utilities;
•unfavorable changes in economic conditions, such as sustained inflation, higher interest rates or recession, that negatively impact the ability of the Company’s customers to pay their utility bills and increase operating costs of the Utilities that cannot be passed on to, or recovered, from customers;
•the risks associated with increasing reliance on renewable energy, including the availability and cost of non-fossil fuel supplies for renewable energy generation and the operational impacts and related cost impacts of adding intermittent sources of renewable energy to the electric grid;
•the growing risk that energy production from renewable generating resources may be curtailed and the interconnection of additional resources will be constrained as more generating resources are added to the Utilities’ electric systems and as customers reduce their energy usage;
•the ability of IPPs to deliver the firm capacity anticipated in their power purchase agreements (PPAs);
•the potential that, as IPP contracts near the end of their terms, there may be less economic incentive for the IPPs to make investments in their units to ensure the availability of their units;
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•the ability of the Utilities to negotiate, periodically, favorable agreements for significant resources such as fuel supply contracts and collective bargaining agreements and avoid or mitigate labor disputes and work stoppages;
•new technological developments that could affect the operations and prospects of the Utilities or their competitors such as the commercial development of energy storage and microgrids;
•the potential that cyber or physical security incidents, including potential incidents at HEI, its subsidiaries (including at electric utility plants), third-party service providers, contractors and customers with whom they have shared data (IPPs, distributed energy resources aggregators and customers enrolled under distributed energy resources programs) and incidents at data processing centers used, to the extent not prevented by physical and cybersecurity protections, could result in operational disruption; the misappropriation or loss of confidential or proprietary assets, information or data, including customer, employee, financial, or operating system information, or intellectual property; corruption of data; or potential costs, lost revenues, litigation, or reputational harm;
•failure to achieve remaining cost savings commitment related to the management audit recommendations of $6.6 million per year during the multi-year rate period (MRP) from June 2021 to May 2026, and continuing until the second MRP begins;
•federal, state, county and international governmental and regulatory actions, such as existing, new and changes in laws, rules and regulations applicable to HEI and the Utilities (including changes in taxation and tax rates, increases in capital requirements, regulatory policy changes, environmental laws and regulations (including resulting compliance costs and risks of fines and penalties and/or liabilities), the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, governmental fees and assessments, and potential carbon pricing or “cap and trade” legislation that may fundamentally alter costs to produce electricity and accelerate the move to renewable generation);
•the impact from the PUC’s implementation of wheeling for the Utilities, including cost shifting and customer equity considerations, the potential increased competition, and other legal and technical implications, pursuant to Act 266, which authorizes wheeling of renewable energy and requires the PUC to establish associated policies and procedures;
•developments in laws, regulations and policies governing protections for historic, archaeological and cultural sites, and plant and animal species and habitats, as well as developments in the implementation and enforcement of such laws, regulations and policies;
•discovery of conditions that may be attributable to historical chemical releases, including any necessary investigation and remediation, and any associated enforcement, litigation or regulatory oversight;
•decisions by the PUC in rate cases and other proceedings (including the risks of delays in the timing of decisions, adverse changes in final decisions from interim decisions and the disallowance of project costs as a result of adverse regulatory audit reports or otherwise);
•decisions by the PUC and by other agencies and courts on land use, environmental and other permitting issues (such as required corrective actions, restrictions and penalties that may arise, such as with respect to environmental conditions or RPS);
•the risks associated with the geographic concentration of HEI’s businesses;
•changes in accounting principles applicable to HEI and its subsidiaries, including the adoption of new U.S. accounting standards, the potential discontinuance of regulatory accounting related to PBR or other regulatory changes, the effects of potentially required consolidation of variable interest entities (VIEs), or required finance lease or on-balance-sheet operating lease accounting for PPAs with IPPs;
•the final outcome of tax positions taken by HEI and its subsidiaries;
•the ability to effectively utilize federal and state net operating loss carryforwards;
•the ability to service the non-recourse debt of Mahipapa, LLC, the last remaining operating subsidiary of Pacific Current, LLC, a non-regulated subsidiary of the Company, if the Company is unable to complete the sale of Mahipapa, LLC;
•the Company’s reliance on third parties and the risk of their non-performance; and
•other risks or uncertainties described elsewhere in this report (e.g., Item 1A. Risk Factors) and in other reports previously and subsequently filed by HEI and/or Hawaiian Electric with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the report, presentation or filing in which they are made. Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, HEI, Hawaiian Electric, Pacific Current and their subsidiaries undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral and whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
HEI Consolidated
HEI and subsidiaries and lines of business. HEI is a holding company with its subsidiaries principally engaged in electric utility and non-regulated renewable/sustainable infrastructure businesses operating in the State of Hawaii. As a holding company, HEI’s sources of funds are primarily dividends from its Electric utility operating subsidiaries, borrowings, and sales of equity. The rights of HEI and its creditors and shareholders to participate in any distribution of the assets of any of HEI’s subsidiaries are subject to the prior claims of the creditors of such subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of HEI in its capacity as a creditor are recognized as primary. The abilities of certain of HEI’s subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to HEI are subject to contractual and regulatory restrictions (see Note 15 of the Consolidated Financial Statements). HEI is headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii and has one reportable segment: Electric utility. HEI and its other subsidiaries which are not reportable segments are grouped and reported as an “All Other” non-reportable segment.
Electric utility. Hawaiian Electric and its operating utility subsidiaries, Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. (Hawaii Electric Light) and Maui Electric Company, Limited (Maui Electric), are regulated electric public utilities that provide essential electric service to approximately 95% of Hawaii’s population through the operation of five separate grids that serve communities on the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Lanai and Molokai. See also “Electric utility” section below.
All Other. The All Other non-reportable segment is composed of HEI’s corporate-level operating, general and administrative expenses and the results of Pacific Current, LLC (Pacific Current). Pacific Current was formed in September 2017 to focus on investing in non-regulated clean energy and sustainable infrastructure in the State of Hawaii to help reach the state’s sustainability goals. Subsequent to the Maui windstorm and wildfires, HEI and Pacific Current have suspended new investments and undertook a comprehensive review of strategic options for the assets of Pacific Current. As part of HEI’s comprehensive review of strategic options for Pacific Current, all investments of Pacific Current that were made through its subsidiaries were sold in 2025, except for Mahipapa, its remaining operating subsidiary which is in the process of being sold. See also “Electric utility—Hawaii Electric Light firm capacity PPAs” section below and Note 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on Pacific Current activities. The All Other segment also includes ASB Hawaii, Inc. (ASB Hawaii) (a holding company), which previously owned ASB, and 40% interest in GLST1, an entity created for the specific purpose of holding HEI’s and Hawaiian Electric’s first liability installment payment pursuant to the settlement agreements to settle the tort-related claims in the litigation arising out of the Maui windstorm and wildfires.
Additional information. Prior to December 31, 2024, ASB Hawaii owned ASB, a federally chartered, full-service Hawaii community bank. ASB was a reportable segment of HEI, until its sale on December 31, 2024. For additional information about HEI, see HEI’s MD&A, HEI’s “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” and HEI’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company’s website address is www.hei.com, where annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports (last 10 years) are made available free of charge in the Investor Relations section as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC (and available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov). The information on the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference in this annual report on Form 10-K unless, and except to the extent, specifically incorporated herein by reference. HEI and Hawaiian Electric intend to continue to use HEI’s website as a means of disclosing additional information. Accordingly, investors should routinely monitor such portions of HEI’s website, in addition to following HEI’s and Hawaiian Electric’s press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts. Investors may also wish to refer to the PUC website at hpuc.my.site.com/cdms/s/ in order to review documents filed with and issued by the PUC. No information at the PUC website is incorporated herein by reference, and the Company has no control over its accuracy or completeness.
Regulation. HEI and Hawaiian Electric are each holding companies within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005 and implementing regulations, which requires holding companies and their subsidiaries to grant the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) access to books and records relating to FERC’s jurisdictional rates. FERC granted HEI and Hawaiian Electric a waiver from its record retention, accounting and reporting requirements, effective May 2006.
HEI is subject to an agreement entered into with the PUC (the PUC Agreement) which, among other things, requires PUC approval of any change in control of HEI. The PUC Agreement also requires HEI to provide the PUC with periodic financial information and other reports concerning intercompany transactions and other matters. It also prohibits the Utilities from loaning funds to HEI or its nonutility subsidiaries and from redeeming common stock of the electric utility subsidiaries without PUC approval. Further, the PUC could limit the ability of the electric utility subsidiaries to pay dividends on their common stock. See also Note 15 of the Consolidated Financial Statements and “Electric utility—Regulation” below.
1
In October 2021, Pacific Current requested informal guidance from the PUC regarding application of the affiliate transaction requirements (ATRs) to certain investments. In response, in January 2022, the PUC issued guidance (Order No. 38186, Docket No. 2018-0065) providing that, if Pacific Current acquires or invests in an unaffiliated entity that has been awarded a power purchase agreement with the Utilities through the Stage 1 or 2 Request for proposals (RFPs), such entity would become an “Affiliate” or “Affiliate-Related Entity” under the ATRs, and any wholesale power transactions between the entity and the Utilities, including under the awarded power purchase agreement, would require PUC review and approval. Subsequent to the Maui windstorm and wildfires, HEI and Pacific Current have suspended any new investments while undertaking a comprehensive review of strategic options for certain assets of Pacific Current.
Beginning in 2024 and continuing into 2026, HEI has embarked on a strategy to divest all of its affiliated companies other than the Utilities, intending for the Utilities to be HEI’s sole operating companies. On December 30, 2024, HEI, ASB and ASB Hawaii entered into investment agreements to sell 90.1% of the common stock of ASB to various investors, including certain ASB officers and directors of ASB, while retaining 9.9% of the common stock of ASB. The sale transaction closed on December 31, 2024. HEI and ASB Hawaii no longer have a controlling interest in ASB and are no longer subject to applicable federal and state regulation and supervision (including under the Federal Reserve Board and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency).
As part of HEI’s comprehensive review of strategic options for certain assets of Pacific Current, on March 10, 2025, Pacific Current closed on the sale of Hamakua Holdings, LLC (Hamakua Holdings), a then wholly owned subsidiary of Pacific Current, to an unaffiliated third party for cash consideration (Hamakua Sale). Hamakua Holdings had two wholly owned subsidiaries: Hamakua Energy, which owned a 60-MW combined cycle power plant that sells power to Hawaii Electric Light under an existing power purchase agreement, and HAESP, LLC (created in connection with the current on-going Stage 3 RFP process).
In addition, effective August 1, 2025, HEI closed on the sale of its solar and BESS assets to an unaffiliated third party for cash consideration (Solar Asset Disposition). The Solar Asset Disposition was completed through the sale of the membership interests in Pacific Current, Solar and Storage Operating Company, LLC (PC Opco), a then newly created indirect subsidiary of Pacific Current, which owned all of the membership interest of Pacific Current’s solar and BESS project companies: Mauo, LLC, Kaʻieʻie Waho Company, LLC, Upena, LLC and Alenuihaha Developments, LLC (Project Companies). As a result of the Solar Asset Disposition, effective as of August 1, 2025, Pacific Current no longer owns the Project Companies. Pacific Current is currently in the process of selling the membership interest in its remaining operating subsidiary, Mahipapa, LLC.
Pursuant to HEI’s divestiture strategy, on October 31, 2025, HEI and Hawaiian Electric filed a revised request with the PUC to terminate or suspend the ATRs. Termination of the ATRs would allow implementation of a corporate integration, under which all HEI employees would move to Hawaiian Electric. A few officer positions would manage and operate both HEI and Hawaiian Electric (dual-hatted executives) and the HEI and Hawaiian Electric boards of directors would be composed of a single set of individuals.
Environmental regulation. HEI and its subsidiaries are subject to federal and state statutes and governmental regulations pertaining to water quality, air quality and other environmental factors. See the “Environmental regulation” discussion in the “Electric utility” section below, and Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Human Capital Resources. The Company’s workforce and culture are critical to its ability to achieve its business strategies. As such, the Company seeks to attract, retain and develop a talented workforce and create a high-performing, inclusive and safety-driven culture.
Employees. The Company had total and full-time employees as follows:
Total Full-time Total Full-time Total Full-time
employees employees employees employees employees employees
1 Includes consolidated Pacific Current employees. For 2025, 2024, and 2023, HEI corporate had 39, 44, and 45 employees, respectively.
2 Beginning December 31, 2024, as a result of the sale transaction, ASB was no longer a subsidiary of HEI.
The employees of HEI and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, other than the Utilities, are not covered by any collective bargaining agreement. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1260 represents roughly half of the Utilities’ workforce covered by a collective bargaining agreement. On January 26, 2024, a new three-year contract was ratified and is in
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effect from November 1, 2024 through October 31, 2027. The contract provides for a 3% general wage increase in each year of the three-year contract, double time for callouts, and a 1% incentive payment upon achievement of specified objectives.
Culture of inclusion and belonging. The Company is committed to fostering an inclusive culture – where all employees can thrive, feel a sense of belonging, and contribute at their highest potential. This type of culture supports greater collaboration, trust, engagement, excellence and innovation - strengthening problem-solving and decision-making across the Company. The Company believes that a workforce enriched by diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives is essential to effectively serving its customers, communities and stakeholders. Operating exclusively in Hawaii, one of the most culturally diverse states in the U.S., the Company also recognizes the value of having employees who understand and reflect the unique culture, history and demographics of the communities it serves.
Employee development & training.To meet the evolving demands of its industries, address the Company’s stakeholder needs, attract and retain talent, and effectively execute its strategies, the Company depends on a workforce that is highly skilled and adaptable. Accordingly, the Company invests in targeted skill-building opportunities, as well as industry-specific and leadership development programs, to support ongoing employee growth and performance.
Hawaiian Electric provides employees of both Hawaiian Electric and HEI holding company with a wide range of skills and professional development opportunities. These include leadership development courses, employee development courses, technical training, apprenticeship programs, operational and environmental compliance training, cybersecurity awareness, and required safety courses. The Company also offers tailored leadership programs, such as supervisor training designed to help new supervisors transition into key operational, administrative, and leadership roles. In addition, leadership and employee assessments support improved productivity and workplace effectiveness. Learning and development initiatives are aligned with both individual and organizational performance goals and are reinforced through the annual performance evaluation process. Ongoing leadership succession planning further ensures the identification and development of successors and high potential employees, helping to maintain a strong leadership pipeline.
Safety and health. As a core value, the Company strives to create workplace environments that prioritize the physical and emotional well-being of its employees. For the Utility, safety is of paramount importance due to the inherent risks involved in certain aspects of its operations and the critical role the Utility plays in maintaining the electrical grid for the State of Hawaii.
Hawaiian Electric is committed to maintaining a strong safety culture. Due to the intrinsic nature of its operations, safety is embedded in Hawaiian Electric’s DNA. Management proactively assumes the responsibility of providing visible leadership and strategic direction for the health and safety management system and programs in their area of oversight. This leadership and direction are instrumental to building and sustaining a resilient safety culture and drive continual safety improvement. Allocating adequate resources to enable seamless implementation of safety programs and holding leaders accountable for the implementation of safety programs and resulting health and safety performance are strategic requirements. This commitment is reinforced through executive compensation tied to safety performance metrics, such as recordable incidents and lost workdays. These measures reward improvements in workplace safety, promote employee well-being, and contribute to long-term cost reductions. Hawaiian Electric’s ultimate goal is zero incidents, with every employee taking ownership of their own safety and that of their co-workers, contractors, and the public. More information on such targets is available in HEI’s 2026 Proxy Statement.
Beyond safety, Hawaiian Electric fosters a culture of total well-being to support its employees from hire to retire and beyond. Hawaiian Electric integrates wellness as a business strategy, offering programs that address emotional, physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental and financial health. These include access to an extensive Employee Assistance Program for employees and their family members, participation in various community charity walks, wellness related trainings and resources, onsite mental health support, a wide variety of corporate wellness activities, gym and group fitness discounts, and financial wellness classes.
Workforce Stability. The Company’s employees are its greatest asset and the Company strives to create a highly desirable place to work.
Hawaiian Electric seeks to provide compensation and benefits that are comprehensive, market-competitive, and internally equitable to attract, engage, and retain highly skilled employees. Hawaiian Electric believes that employee engagement is key to creating a desirable, inclusive, rewarding place to work and conducts employee engagement surveys on a regular cycle. Hawaiian Electric is expanding its strategic workforce planning initiative to build its workforce to support future transformation plans.
Properties. HEI leases office space from a nonaffiliated lessor in downtown Honolulu under leases that expire in December 2027. Mahipapa, LLC (Mahipapa), a wholly owned subsidiary of Pacific Current, owns a 7.5-MW biomass facility located on approximately 65 acres of land and leases 3,500 acres on the island of Kauai. See “Electric utility” section for a description of properties owned and leased.
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Electric utility
Hawaiian Electric and subsidiaries and service areas. Hawaiian Electric, Hawaii Electric Light and Maui Electric (Utilities) are regulated operating electric public utilities engaged in the production, purchase, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity on the islands of Oahu; Hawaii; and Maui, Lanai and Molokai, respectively. All of Hawaiian Electric’s equity securities are directly owned by HEI.
In 2025, the Utilities’ revenues and net income amounted to approximately 99% and 137% respectively, of HEI’s consolidated revenues and income from continuing operations. In 2024, the Utilities’ revenues and net loss amounted to approximately 100% and 93% respectively, of HEI’s consolidated revenues and loss from continuing operations. In 2023, the Utilities’ revenues and net income amounted to approximately 99% and 133%, respectively, of HEI’s consolidated revenues and income from continuing operations.
The islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Lanai and Molokai have a combined population estimated at 1.4 million, or approximately 95% of the total population of the State of Hawaii, and comprise a service area of approximately 5,800 square miles. The principal communities served include Honolulu (on Oahu), Hilo and Kona (on Hawaii) and Wailuku and Kahului (on Maui). The service areas also include numerous suburban communities, resorts, U.S. Armed Forces installations and agricultural operations. In November 2020, the PUC approved Hawaiian Electric’s acquisition of the electric distribution systems serving 12 U.S. Army installations on Oahu, including Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield, Tripler Army Medical Center, Fort Shafter and Army housing areas.
The State has granted Hawaiian Electric, Hawaii Electric Light and Maui Electric nonexclusive franchises, which authorize the Utilities to construct, operate and maintain facilities over and under public streets and sidewalks. Each of these franchises will continue in effect for an indefinite period of time until forfeited, altered, amended or repealed.
Climate action plan. In 2021, the Utilities set an aggressive goal to cut carbon emissions from power generation 70% by 2030, compared with 2005 levels. The emissions covered by this goal include stack emissions from generation owned by Hawaiian Electric and independent power producers (IPPs) who sell electricity to the Utilities. In addition, the Utilities have committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions from power generation by 2045 or sooner.
Key elements of the 2030 plan to reduce emissions include:
• The closing of the state’s last coal plant, which occurred in September 2022 upon expiry of the PPA
• Adding nearly 50,000 rooftop solar systems, more than a 50% increase, compared to the approximately 90,000 systems online in 2021 when the climate action plan was developed
• Retiring at least six fossil-fueled generating units and significantly reducing the use of others as new renewable resources come online
• Adding additional renewable energy projects capable of generating a total of at least 1 gigawatt beyond resources in place in 2021, including shared solar (community-based renewable energy)
• Using more grid-scale and customer-owned energy storage
• Expanding geothermal resources
• Creating innovative programs that provide customers incentives for using clean, lower-cost energy at certain times of the day and using less fossil-fueled energy at night
Since the time the 2030 goal was established, delays and cancellations in the commercial operation of new renewable third-party generation resources and higher costs as a result of supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures, as well as federal policies related to solar panel imports, have slowed the pace of progress toward reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The downgrade of Hawaiian Electric’s credit ratings after the Maui windstorm and wildfires, which makes it more difficult for independent power producers to procure low-cost financing, has added an additional impediment to completion of new renewable energy and storage projects. Further, the recent repealing of the investment tax credit for renewables is also expected to impact the ability to procure new generation at reasonable rates. As a result of these challenges, the Utilities expect the planned 70% reduction in carbon emissions to be achieved later than the original 2030 target date. However, the Utilities will continue to replace significant amounts of fossil fuel generation with renewable energy between now and 2030 and expect to meet or exceed the State of Hawaii’s RPS goals. As of December 31, 2025, the Utilities estimate a reduction of carbon emissions of approximately 25%. This represented an increase in emissions compared to the 27% reduction in 2024 due to higher customer electric usage. As renewable energy replaces fossil fuel generation, carbon emissions are expected to continue to decline over time.
After 2030, progress on elimination of carbon from power generation assumes continued use of proven resources, including wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, biofuels and energy storage, along with the development of new and existing technologies. Those technologies may include offshore wind, green hydrogen, wave energy and carbon-capture—all currently
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under development around the world—as well as other solutions that will emerge. A diverse portfolio of resources will also enhance resilience to climate-related events.
Sales of electricity.
* As of December 31.
Regulatory mechanisms. Base electric rates are set in rate cases, and on April 29, 2020, the PUC issued an order terminating the mandatory triennial rate case cycle in anticipation of the performance-based regulation framework (PBR Framework). The regulatory framework in effect in 2020 included a number of mechanisms designed to provide utility financial stability during the transition toward the state’s 100% renewable energy goals. For example, under the sales decoupling mechanism, the Utilities are allowed to recover from customers, the PUC-approved target revenues, independent of the level of kilowatt-hour (kWh) sales. The decoupling mechanism (i.e., the Revenue Balancing Account) continues under the PBR Framework.
On December 23, 2020, the PUC issued a D&O in Phase 2 of the PBR proceeding, establishing the PBR Framework for the Utilities. The PBR Framework includes, among other matters, a five-year multi-year rate plan with an index-driven annual revenue adjustment (ARA), which replaces the RAM, modification of the MPIR mechanism (renamed Exceptional Project Recovery Mechanism (EPRM)) to include deferred and operation and maintenance (O&M) expense projects and to permit the Utilities to include the full amount of approved costs in the EPRM for recovery in the first year the project goes into service, pro-rated for the portion of the year the project is in service, and continuation of (i) the revenue balancing account, (ii) the pension and other postretirement benefit tracking mechanisms, and (iii) energy cost recovery clause, purchased power adjustment clause, and other recovery mechanisms. See “Commitments and contingencies-Regulatory proceedings-Performance-based regulation framework” in Note 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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These regulatory mechanisms are summarized as follows:
Mechanism Description
Seasonality. kWh sales of the Utilities follow a seasonal pattern, but they do not experience extreme seasonal variations experienced by some electric utilities on the U.S. mainland. In Hawaii, kWh sales tend to increase in the warmer, more humid months as a result of increased demand for air conditioning and higher visitor arrivals. This is partially offset by the reduction of sales due to privately owned customer photovoltaic (PV) systems which generate the most energy during the aforementioned warmer months.
Significant customers. The Utilities derived approximately 11%, 11% and 12% of their operating revenues in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively from the sale of electricity to various federal government agencies. Hawaiian Electric continues to work with various federal agencies to implement measures that will help them achieve their energy efficiency, resilience and clean energy objectives.
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Selected consolidated electric utility operating statistics.
MWh sales (thousands)
MWh net generated and purchased (thousands)
Energy supply (December 31)
Customer accounts (December 31)
Electric revenues (thousands)
Residential statistics
1 In July 2022, former Governor Ige signed Act 240 (H.B.2089), which amended the RPS calculation from renewable energy as a percentage of sales to renewable energy as a percentage of total generation. The amended RPS calculation results in a lower calculated percentage than the amount calculated under the previous methodology.
2 AES Hawaii provided 180 MW of firm capacity from its coal-fired cogeneration plant. The purchase power agreement expired on September 1, 2022 and was not renewed. The AES Hawaii coal plant has ceased operations.
3 Sum of the net peak demands on all islands served, noncoincident and nonintegrated.
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Generation statistics. The following table contains certain generation statistics as of and for the year ended December 31, 2025. The net generating and firm purchased capability available for operation at any given time may be more or less than shown because of capability restrictions or temporary outages for inspection, maintenance, repairs or unforeseen circumstances.
Hawaiian Electric Hawaii Electric Light Maui Electric
Net generating and firm purchased capability (MW) as of December 31, 20251
Biodiesel internal combustion engine 57.4 — — — — 57.4
1Hawaiian Electric units at normal ratings; Hawaii Electric Light and Maui Electric units at reserve ratings.
2Nonutility generators - Hawaiian Electric: 208 MW (Kalaeloa Partners, L.P., oil-fired) and 68.5 MW (HPOWER, refuse-fired); Hawaii Electric Light: 60 MW (Hamakua Energy, oil-fired) and 34.6 MW (PGV, geothermal). PGV’s current limited capability of 32.2 MW has been incorporated into the utility’s firm contract power capability as of December 31, 2025.
3Noncoincident and nonintegrated.
Generating reliability and reserve margin. Hawaiian Electric serves the island of Oahu and Hawaii Electric Light serves the island of Hawaii. Maui Electric has three separate electrical systems—one each on the islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai. Hawaiian Electric, Hawaii Electric Light and Maui Electric have isolated electrical systems that are not currently interconnected to each other or to any other electrical grid and, thus, each maintains a higher level of reserve generation and cost structure than is typically carried by interconnected mainland U.S. utilities, which are able to share reserve capacity. These higher levels of reserve margins are required to meet peak electric demands, to provide for scheduled maintenance of generating units (including the units operated by IPPs relied upon for firm capacity) and to allow for the forced outage of the largest generating unit in the system.
Nonutility generation. The Utilities have supported state and federal energy policies which encourage the development of renewable energy sources that reduce the use of fuel oil as well as the development of qualifying facilities. The Utilities’ renewable energy sources and potential sources range from wind, solar, photovoltaic, geothermal, wave and hydroelectric power to energy produced by municipal waste and other biofuels.
The rate schedules of the Utilities contain ECRCs and PPACs that allow them to recover costs of fuel and purchase power expenses.
In addition to the firm capacity PPAs described below, the Utilities also purchase energy on an as-available basis directly from nonutility generators and through its Feed-In Tariff programs, as well as through renewable dispatchable generation power purchase agreements. The Utilities also receive renewable energy from customers under its customer-sited Distributed Energy Resources programs.
The PUC has allowed rate recovery for the firm capacity and purchased energy costs for the Utilities’ approved firm capacity and as-available energy PPAs.
Hawaiian Electric firm capacity PPAs. Hawaiian Electric currently has two major firm capacity PPAs that provide a total of 276.5 MW of firm capacity, representing 19% of Hawaiian Electric’s total net generating and firm purchased capacity on the Island of Oahu as of December 31, 2025.
Under the 2021 Amended and Restated PPA with Kalaeloa Partners, L.P. (Kalaeloa), Hawaiian Electric is committed to purchase 208 MW of firm capacity. The Kalaeloa facility, which is a Qualifying Facility (QF), is a combined-cycle operation,
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consisting of two oil-fired combustion turbines burning low sulfur fuel oil (LSFO) and a steam turbine that utilizes waste heat from the combustion turbines. The PPA, among other provisions, extends the term for ten contract years after the effective date. The ARPPA was approved on November 23, 2022 and the rates under the ARPPA became effective on January 1, 2023.
Hawaiian Electric also entered into a PPA in March 1986 and a firm capacity amendment in April 1991 with the City and County of Honolulu with respect to a refuse-fired plant (HPOWER). Under the PPA, as amended and restated, Hawaiian Electric is committed to purchase 68.5 MW of firm capacity annually up until the PPA expires on April 2, 2033.
Hawaii Electric Light firm capacity PPAs. Hawaii Electric Light has two major firm capacity PPAs that provide a total of 92.2 MW of firm capacity, representing 37% of Hawaii Electric Light’s total net generating and firm purchased capacity on the Island of Hawaii as of December 31, 2025.
In October 1997, Hawaii Electric Light entered into an agreement with Encogen, which was succeeded by Hamakua Energy Partners, L. P. (HEP). The agreement requires Hawaii Electric Light to purchase up to 60 MW (net) of firm capacity for a period of 30 years, expiring on December 31, 2030. The dual-train combined-cycle facility consists of two oil-fired combustion turbines and a steam turbine that utilizes waste heat from the combustion turbines, which primarily burns naphtha (a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons) and, starting in late 2019, biodiesel (comprising approximately 40% of HEP’s generation in 2025). In November 2017, Hamakua Energy, an indirect subsidiary of HEI, purchased the plant from HEP. On February 7, 2025, the parent company of Hamakua Holdings, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of HEI and parent company of Hamakua Energy, entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement to sell all the membership interests in Hamakua Holdings, LLC to an unaffiliated third party. The sale closed on March 10, 2025. See “Sale of Hamakua Holdings, LLC” in Note 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Hawaii Electric Light has a 35-year PPA, as amended, with Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) for 34.6 MW of firm capacity from its geothermal steam facility, which will expire on December 31, 2027. In December 2019, Hawaii Electric Light entered into an Amended and Restated PPA (ARPPA) with PGV to, among other things, extend the term by 25 years to 2052 and expand the firm capacity capable of being delivered to 46 MW. The ARPPA was approved by the PUC subject to certain conditions on December 29, 2023.
Maui Electric firm capacity PPAs. Maui Electric currently has no firm capacity PPAs.
Fuel oil usage and supply. The rate schedules of the Utilities include ECRCs under which electric rates (and consequently the revenues of the electric utility subsidiaries generally) are adjusted for changes in the weighted-average price paid for fuel oil and certain components of purchased power, and the relative amounts of company-generated power and purchased power. See discussion of rates and issues relating to the ECRC below under “Rates.”
Hawaiian Electric’s steam generating units consume LSFO and Hawaiian Electric’s combustion turbine peaking units consume diesel. Hawaiian Electric’s Schofield Generating Station consumes mostly B99 grade biodiesel, but is permitted to also burn ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD).
Hawaii Electric Light’s and Maui Electric’s steam generating units burn high sulfur fuel oil (HSFO) and Hawaii Electric Light’s and Maui Electric’s Maui combustion turbine generating units burn diesel. Hawaii Electric Light’s and Maui Electric’s Maui, Molokai, and Lanai diesel engine generating units burn ULSD.
See “Fuel contracts” in Hawaiian Electric’s MD&A.
The following table sets forth the average cost of fuel oil used by Hawaiian Electric, Hawaii Electric Light and Maui Electric to generate electricity in 2025, 2024 and 2023:
Hawaiian Electric Hawaii Electric Light Maui Electric Consolidated
$/Barrel ¢/MBtu $/Barrel ¢/MBtu $/Barrel ¢/MBtu $/Barrel ¢/MBtu
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The average per-unit cost of fuel oil consumed to generate electricity for Hawaiian Electric, Hawaii Electric Light and Maui Electric reflects a different volume mix of fuel types and grades as follows:
Hawaiian Electric Hawaii Electric Light Maui Electric
% LSFO % Biodiesel/Diesel % HSFO % Diesel % HSFO % Diesel
The prices that Hawaiian Electric and Hawaii Electric Light pay for purchased energy from certain older nonutility generators are generally linked to the price of oil. The energy prices for Kalaeloa, which purchases LSFO from Par Hawaii Refining, LLC (PAR), vary primarily with the price of Asian crude oil. On December 31, 2019, Hawaii Electric Light and PGV entered into an Amended and Restated Power Purchase Agreement, which delinks the pricing for energy delivered from the facility from fossil fuel prices. Hamakua Energy’s energy prices vary primarily with the cost of naphtha.
The Utilities estimate that 73% of the net energy they generate will come from fossil fuel oil in 2026 compared to 69% in 2025. Hawaiian Electric generally maintains an average system fuel inventory level equivalent to 47 days of forward consumption. Hawaii Electric Light and Maui Electric generally maintain an average system fuel inventory level equivalent to approximately one month’s supply of both HSFO and diesel.
Rates. Hawaiian Electric, Hawaii Electric Light and Maui Electric are subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the PUC with respect to rates, issuance of securities, accounting and certain other matters. See “Regulation” below.
General rate increases require the prior approval of the PUC after public and contested case hearings. Rates for Hawaiian Electric and its subsidiaries include ECRCs, and PPACs. Under current law and practices, specific and separate PUC approval is not required for each rate change pursuant to automatic rate adjustment clauses previously approved by the PUC. Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) requires the PUC to periodically review the adjustment clauses related to energy cost of electric and gas utilities in the state, and such clauses, as well as the rates charged by the utilities generally, are subject to change. PUC approval is also required for all surcharges and adjustments before they are reflected in rates.
See “Utility projects” under “Commitments and contingencies” in Note 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Competition. See “Competition” in Hawaiian Electric’s MD&A.
Regulation. The PUC regulates the rates, issuance of securities, accounting and certain other aspects of the operations of Hawaiian Electric and its electric utility subsidiaries. See the previous discussion under “Rates.”
Electrification of Transportation. In June 2018, the PUC initiated a proceeding to review the Utilities’ Electrification of Transportation (EoT) Strategic Roadmap, which provided an economic analysis for light duty electric vehicles on the island of Oahu, Maui and Hawaii. In October 2019, the Utilities filed their EoT Workplan, establishing a schedule to continue implementation of the EoT roadmap with a focus on Electric Vehicle (EV) rate design and make ready charging infrastructure in the near term. The Utilities subsequently filed an update in May 2024, called the EoT Strategic Roadmap 2.0 to reflect changes to market conditions since 2018 and identifies potential utility EoT actions through 2030, through input from community and industry experts.
The Utilities followed through on the EoT Workplan, with three filings: the electric bus make ready infrastructure pilot, Charge Ready Hawaii commercial infrastructure pilot, and two commercial EV rates, EV-J and EV-P. The Utilities completed the 18-month Smart Charge Hawaii Telematics pilot in December 2024.
The Utilities operate 32 public Direct Charge fast chargers as part of the EV-U and EV-MAUI tariff. On June 26, 2025, the PUC issued an order granting the Utilities’ request to make EV-U a regular tariff from a pilot, and modified the allowable accounts from 25 to 50.
The Utilities are committed to electrifying 100% of their class 1 vehicles (sedans, SUVs and light trucks) by 2035. As of December 31, 2025, 21% of class 1 vehicles are EVs.
Renewable Portfolio Standards. Hawaii’s RPS law requires electric utilities to meet an RPS of 15%, 30%, 40%, 70% and 100% by December 31, 2015, 2020, 2030, 2040 and 2045, respectively, counting only electrical generation using renewable energy as a source. In July 2022, former Governor Ige signed Act 240 (H.B.2089), that amended the RPS calculation from renewable energy as a percentage of sales to renewable energy as a percentage of total generation. The amended RPS calculation results in a lower calculated percentage than the amount calculated under the previous methodology. For example, the 2022 RPS achieved under the revised RPS calculation would have been 39.1% under the prior method versus 31.8% under the revised method. The change in the definition is to be applied prospectively to future milestone measurements and will
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require that the Utilities acquire more renewable energy than under the previous RPS calculation to comply with the RPS milestones; however, the Utilities expect to continue to meet the RPS milestones under the amended RPS law to exceed the 2030 RPS requirement of 40%. The ability of the Utilities to meet RPS milestones after 2030 may be impacted by the Utilities’ current credit ratings, which may impact independent power producers’ ability to secure low-cost financing. In 2025, the Utilities’ RPS was 36.8%.
Affiliate transactions. Certain transactions between HEI’s electric public utility subsidiaries (Hawaiian Electric, Hawaii Electric Light and Maui Electric) and HEI and affiliated interests (as defined by statute) are subject to regulation by the PUC.
The PUC issued an order requiring Hawaiian Electric to continue to provide the PUC with annual status reports on its compliance with the PUC Agreement (pursuant to which HEI became the holding company of Hawaiian Electric) and to present a comprehensive analysis of the impact that the holding company structure and investments in nonutility subsidiaries have on a case-by-case basis on the cost of capital to each utility in future rate cases to support Hawaiian Electric’s position that its access to capital did not suffer as a result of HEI’s involvement in nonutility activities and that HEI’s diversification did not permanently raise or lower the cost of capital incorporated into the rates paid by Hawaiian Electric’s utility customers.
The PUC also established a set of requirements governing transactions and sharing of information between the Utilities and its affiliates (Affiliate Transaction Requirements or ATRs), which intended to establish safeguards to avoid potential market power benefits and cross-subsidization between regulated and unregulated activities. The requirements include rules on interactions with affiliates, information handling, business development, political activities, promotional activities, sales of products and services, and employee sharing restrictions. The ATRs include implementing an internal code of conduct, a compliance plan, including policies and procedures to comply with the requirements, and having an audit conducted every three years that examines the compliance with the requirements. Penalties for non-compliance depend on the severity of the violation, and can range from daily fines to divestiture of the Utilities by the holding company. The ATRs also require independent compliance audits be conducted every three years, the first of which was completed in 2022 and found no findings of noncompliance for the period of December 2018 to December 2021. The PUC accepted the first ATRs audit report while ordering certain governance improvement opportunities that the Company implemented in 2023. The second triennial audit which reviewed ATRs compliance from January 2022 to December 2024 was completed and had no findings of noncompliance. The Utilities submitted the final report to the PUC in October 2025.
In June 2025, the Utilities submitted a request with the PUC to terminate or suspend the ATRs. Beginning in 2024 and continuing into 2026, HEI has embarked on a strategy to divest all of its affiliated companies other than the Utilities, intending for the Utilities to be HEI’s sole operating companies. Termination of the ATRs would allow implementation of a corporate integration, under which all HEI employees would move to Hawaiian Electric. A few officer positions would manage and operate both HEI and Hawaiian Electric (dual-hatted executives) and the HEI and Hawaiian Electric boards of directors would be composed of a single set of individuals. In September 2025, the PUC dismissed the request without prejudice. In its order, the PUC provided guidance on the topics to be addressed in any future request. On October 31, 2025 HEI and Hawaiian Electric filed a revised request with the PUC to terminate or suspend the ATRs. After responding to information requests from the Consumer Advocate, the Consumer Advocate issued its statement of position on February 4, 2026. The Consumer Advocate supported the approval of the request with the condition that before any recovery of expenses related to HEI, the Utilities should give the Consumer Advocate and the PUC advance notice of likely changes to recovery. HEI and Hawaiian Electric informed the PUC that the docket was ready for decision making on February 5, 2026.
Other regulations. The Utilities are not subject to regulation by the FERC under the Federal Power Act, except under Sections 210 through 212 (added by Title II of PURPA and amended by the Energy Policy Act of 1992), which permit the FERC to order electric utilities to interconnect with qualifying cogenerators and small power producers, and to wheel power to other electric utilities. Title I of PURPA, which relates to retail regulatory policies for electric utilities, and Title VII of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, which addresses transmission access, also apply to the Utilities. The Utilities are also required to file various operational reports with the FERC.
Because they are located in the State of Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric and its subsidiaries are exempt by statute from limitations set forth in the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 on the use of petroleum as a primary energy source.
Regulatory Developments.See “Regulatory proceedings” in Note 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussions.
See also “HEI Consolidated–Regulation” above.
Environmental regulation. Hawaiian Electric, Hawaii Electric Light and Maui Electric, like other utilities, are subject to periodic inspections by federal, state and, in some cases, local environmental regulatory agencies, including agencies responsible for the regulation of water quality, air quality, hazardous and other waste and hazardous materials. These
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inspections may result in the identification of items needing corrective or other action. Except as otherwise disclosed in this report (see “Risk Factors” in Item 1A, and Notes 1 and 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements), the Utilities believe that each subsidiary has appropriately responded to environmental conditions requiring action and that, as a result of such actions, such environmental conditions will not have a material adverse effect on the capital expenditures, earnings and competitive position of the Utilities.
Water quality controls. The generating stations, substations and other utility facilities operate under federal and state water quality regulations and permits, including, but not limited to, the Clean Water Act National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (governing point source discharges, including wastewater and storm water discharges) and the Safe Drinking Water Act Underground Injection Control (regulating disposal of wastewater into the subsurface).
Oil pollution controls. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA) establishes programs that govern actual or threatened oil releases and imposes strict liability on responsible parties for clean-up costs and damages to natural resources and property. The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations under OPA require certain facilities that use or store oil to prepare and implement Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plans in order to prevent releases of oil to navigable waters of the U.S. Certain facilities are also required to prepare and implement Facility Response Plans (FRPs) to ensure prompt and proper response to releases of oil. The utility facilities that are subject to SPCC Plan and FRP requirements have prepared and implemented SPCC Plans and FRPs.
Air quality controls. The Clean Air Act (CAA) establishes permitting programs to reduce air pollution. The CAA amendments of 1990, established the federal Title V Operating Permit Program (in Hawaii known as the Covered Source Permit program) to ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state air pollution control requirements. The 1977 CAA Amendments established the New Source Review (NSR) permitting program, which affect new or modified generating units by requiring a permit to construct under the CAA and the controls necessary to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Title V operating permits have been issued for all of the Utilities’ affected generating units.
Hazardous waste and toxic substances controls. The operations of the electric utility are subject to EPA regulations that implement provisions of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA, also known as Superfund), the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) as well as equivalent State laws and regulations.
RCRA underground storage tank (UST) regulations require all facilities that use USTs for storing petroleum products to comply with established leak detection, spill prevention, standards for tank design and retrofits, financial assurance, operator training, and tank decommissioning and closure requirements. All of the Utilities’ USTs currently meet the applicable requirements.
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act under SARA Title III requires the Utilities to report potentially hazardous chemicals present in their facilities in order to provide the public with information so that emergency procedures can be established to protect the public in the event of hazardous chemical releases. Since January 1, 1998, the steam electric industry category has been subject to Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting requirements.
The TSCA regulations specify procedures for the handling and disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a compound found in some transformer and capacitor dielectric fluids. The TSCA regulations also apply to responses to releases of PCBs to the environment. The Utilities have instituted procedures to monitor compliance with these regulations and have implemented a program to identify and replace PCB transformers and capacitors in their systems.
Hawaii’s Environmental Response Law (ERL), as amended, governs releases of hazardous substances, including oil, to the environment in areas within the state’s jurisdiction. Responsible parties under the ERL may be jointly, severally, and strictly liable for a release of a hazardous substance. Responsible parties include owners or operators of a facility where a hazardous substance is located and any person who at the time of disposal of the hazardous substance owned or operated any facility at which such hazardous substance was disposed.
The Utilities periodically discover leaking oil-containing equipment such as USTs, piping, and transformers. Each subsidiary reports releases from such equipment when and as required by applicable law and addresses the releases in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
State and Federal Endangered Species Act. Under the State and Federal Endangered Species Acts species that are listed as threatened or endangered are to be protected from harm. Various activities of the Utilities including vegetation management, operations, construction, and the presence of infrastructure in sensitive areas may have the potential to affect such species. The Utilities have developed best management practices, protocols and in some areas are developing habitat conservation plans and obtaining related permits to help protect these species.
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Additional information. For additional information about Hawaiian Electric, see Hawaiian Electric’s MD&A, Hawaiian Electric’s “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” and Hawaiian Electric’s Consolidated Financial Statements, including the Notes thereto.
Properties. As of December 31, 2025, the Utilities’ ownership in generating assets was as follows:
Property Location (island) Principal Fuel Type Generating Capacity (MW) Status
Hawaiian Electric:
Waiau1,2 Oahu LSFO / Diesel 388.2 Active
Kahe1 Oahu LSFO 620.5 Active
Campbell Industrial Park (CIP)1 Oahu Diesel 129.0 Active
Honolulu Power Plant1 Oahu N/A — Retired in 2023
Schofield Generating Station3 Oahu Biodiesel / ULSD 49.4 Active
West Loch PV Project4 Oahu Renewable (Solar) 20.0 Active
Hawaii Electric Light5:
Shipman Hawaii N/A — Retired in 2015
Waimea Hawaii ULSD 7.5 Active
Keahole6 Hawaii Diesel / ULSD 77.6 Active
Puna Hawaii HSFO / Diesel 36.7 Active
Hill/Kanoelehua7 Hawaii HSFO / ULSD 55.4 Active
Distributed generators at substation sites8 Hawaii ULSD 3.8 Active
Maui Electric9:
Kahului Maui HSFO 35.9 Active
Maalaea10 Maui Diesel / ULSD 208.4 Active
Miki Basin Lanai ULSD 9.4 Active
Palaau Molokai ULSD 12.0 Active
Distributed generators at substation sites Maui ULSD 3.8 Active
1 The four plants are situated on Hawaiian Electric-owned land having a combined area of 542 acres.
2 Waiau Units 3 and 4 were retired on December 31, 2024.
3 Hawaiian Electric has a 35-year land lease on 8.13 acres, effective September 1, 2016 (with an option to extend an additional 10 years), with the Department of the Army.
4 Hawaiian Electric has a 37-year land lease on 102 acres, effective July 1, 2017, with the Secretary of the Navy.
5 The plants are situated on Hawaii Electric Light-owned land having a combined area of approximately 44 acres. The distributed generators are located within Hawaii Electric Light-owned substation sites having a combined area of approximately four acres.
6 One of the generators (CT2, 13.8 MW) is currently inactive.
7 One of the generators (CT1, 11.5 MW) is currently inactive.
8 One of the four distributed generators (Panaewa D24, 1.25 MW) was damaged in a substation fire in January 2024.
9 The four plants are situated on Maui Electric-owned land having a combined area of 60.7 acres. The distributed generators are located within Maui Electric-owned substation sites having a combined area of approximately three acres.
10 One of the generator’s (M11, 12.50 MW) gear train was damaged in April 2025 and was placed on inactive status in January 2026.
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As of December 31, 2025, the Utilities’ ownership in fuel storage facilities was as follows:
Hawaiian Electric:
Barbers Point Tank Farm Oahu LSFO 1,025 Kahe, Waiau
Generation sites - various (in aggregate) Oahu LSFO 771 Various
Generation sites - various (in aggregate) Oahu Diesel 147 Various
Generation sites - various (in aggregate) Oahu Biodiesel 11 Various
Hawaii Electric Light1:
Generation sites - various (in aggregate) Hawaii HSFO 57 Various
Generation sites - various (in aggregate) Hawaii Diesel 87 Various
Maui Electric2:
Generation sites - various (in aggregate) Maui HSFO 84 Various
Generation sites - various (in aggregate) Maui Diesel 109 Various
1 There are an additional 19,249 barrels of diesel and 24,675 barrels of HSFO storage capacity for Hawaii Electric Light-owned fuel off-site at Island Energy Services, LLC-owned terminalling facilities.
2 There are an additional 56,358 barrels of diesel oil storage capacity off-site at Aloha Petroleum, Ltd-owned terminalling facilities.
Other properties. The Utilities own overhead transmission and distribution lines, underground cables, pole (some jointly) and metal high voltage towers. Electric lines are located over or under public and nonpublic properties.
Hawaiian Electric owns a total of 126.5 acres of land on which substations, transformer vaults, distribution baseyards and the Kalaeloa cogeneration facility are located. Hawaiian Electric also owns buildings and approximately 11.6 acres of land located in Honolulu, which house its operating and engineering departments. It also leases an office building and certain office spaces in Honolulu, land for office spaces and storage in Pearl City, and a warehousing center in Kapolei.
Hawaii Electric Light owns 6 acres of land in Kona, which is used for a baseyard, and one acre of land in Hilo, which houses its accounting, customer services and administrative offices. Hawaii Electric Light also leases 3.7 acres of land for its baseyard in Hilo under a lease expiring in 2030. In addition, Hawaii Electric Light owns a total of approximately 150 acres of land, and leases a total of approximately 6 acres of land, on which hydro facilities, substations and switching stations, microwave facilities and transmission lines are located. The deeds to the sites located in Hilo contain certain restrictions, but the restrictions do not materially interfere with the use of the sites for public utility purposes.
Maui Electric’s administrative offices, as well as its engineering and distribution departments, are situated on 9.1 acres of Maui Electric-owned land in Kahului. Maui Electric also owns approximately 20 acres of land which house some of its substations, leases approximately 3,600 square feet of land for its telecommunication and microwave facilities, leases approximately 6,000 square feet of land at Kahului Harbor for pipeline purposes, and leases 17,958 square feet of land at Puunene for the Puunene Substation. Maui Electric also owns approximately 87 acres of vacant land, including land used for debris storage, at Waena, Palaau, and Kahului. Fuel storage facilities are located on Maui Electric-owned properties at Kahului Baseyard, Kahului Power Plant, Maalaea Power Plant, Miki Basin, Palaau, Hana, and the Kuihelani Substation. Two, 1-MW stand-by diesel generators are located within the Maui Electric-owned land at Hana Substation. One, 1.83-MW stand-by diesel generator is located within the Maui Electric-owned land at Kuihelani Substation.
See “Hawaiian Electric and subsidiaries and service areas” above for a discussion of the nonexclusive franchises of Hawaiian Electric and subsidiaries.
See “Generation statistics” above for a further discussion of some of the electric utility properties.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The businesses of HEI and its subsidiaries involve numerous risks which, if realized, could have a material and adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements. For additional information for certain risk factors enumerated below and other risks of the Company and its operations, see “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” above and HEI’s MD&A, HEI’s “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk,” the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Hawaiian Electric’s MD&A and Hawaiian Electric’s “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”
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Holding company and company-wide risks.
Losses resulting from the Maui windstorm and wildfires did and may continue to have a material adverse effect on HEI’s and Hawaiian Electric’s financial condition, liquidity, cash flows and results of operations. On August 8, 2023, a number of brush fires in the West Maui (Lahaina) and Upcountry Maui areas caused widespread property damage, including damage to property of the Utilities, and 102 confirmed fatalities in Lahaina (the Maui windstorm and wildfires). The Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives reports classified the cause of the fire as “accidental.”
Effective November 1, 2024, HEI and Hawaiian Electric entered into the Settlement Agreements (as defined herein) to settle the tort-related legal claims in the litigation arising out of the Maui windstorm and wildfires. One of the Settlement Agreements, the Class Settlement Agreement (as defined herein) remains subject to final court approval.
HEI and Hawaiian Electric have agreed to make substantial payments to settle all Maui windstorm and wildfire tort-related legal claims if all conditions of the Settlement Agreements are satisfied. Under the Settlement Agreements, HEI and Hawaiian Electric are obligated to contribute a total of $1.99 billion (out of a total defendant contribution of approximately $4.04 billion), which includes the $75 million previously contributed for the One ‘Ohana Initiative (a humanitarian aid fund to provide payments outside of litigation to the beneficiaries of those who died, as well as compensation for personal injury damages). The total settlement amount is to be divided between two settlement funds, one for the benefit of individual plaintiffs, and the other for the benefit of the class plaintiffs. HEI and Hawaiian Electric must pay such remaining amounts in four equal annual installments of approximately $479 million, with the first installment expected to be made once the conditions to funding are satisfied, which will occur no sooner than early 2026. The Settlement Agreements also provide that $500 million of the total settlement payments will be reserved and made available to defendants to defray the cost to resolve any claims brought by plaintiffs who do not release claims as part of the settlements.
If all conditions of the Settlement Agreements are satisfied, HEI expects to finance the settlement payments through a mix of debt, common equity, equity-linked securities or other potential options. While HEI management believes it will be able to raise the capital necessary to finance the settlement payments, there is no assurance that future financing will be available in sufficient amounts, on a timely basis or on reasonable terms acceptable to HEI, if at all.
If HEI’s financing plans are unsuccessful, HEI and Hawaiian Electric may need to consider other strategic alternatives, including delaying strategic initiatives, selling assets, or other strategic measures including, without limitation, obtaining relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Such alternatives could adversely affect our financial results or other factors impacting our finances, operations or HEI’s stock valuation.
The Settlement Agreements do not resolve claims with insurers who have asserted subrogation claims in separate lawsuits, and such insurers are not parties to the Settlement Agreements, but resolution of their claims through an agreement or a final unappealable court order is a condition to the defendants’ payment obligations under the Settlement Agreements. Two primary subrogation actions have been brought by various insurers covering almost all of the direct subrogation claims. On December 30, 2025, the court in both actions entered judgment in favor of the defendants, but certain of the plaintiff insurers have now appealed those rulings. No briefing schedules in these appeals have been set.
If the conditions of the Settlement Agreements are not satisfied or the agreements are otherwise terminated, HEI and Hawaiian Electric intend to vigorously defend against the litigation. There is no assurance that HEI and Hawaiian Electric will be successful in the defense of the litigation or that insurance proceeds will be available to fund any potential settlements, judgments, or costs associated with the litigation.
There can be no assurance that HEI and Hawaiian Electric will have the liquidity to make the payments required under the Settlement Agreements. The amount of any liability arising from the Maui windstorm and wildfires could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, liquidity, cash flows and results of operations.
HEI’s and Hawaiian Electric’s access to lower cost sources of capital will continue to be negatively impacted as a result of the downgrades in their debt credit ratings to below investment grade. In August 2023, HEI and Hawaiian Electric received
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multiple downgrades to their debt, including to ratings below investment grade, by Fitch, Moody’s and S&P. As of February 17, 2026, the Fitch, Moody’s and S&P ratings of HEI and Hawaiian Electric were as follows:
Fitch Moody’s S&P
HEI:
Outlook Positive Positive Watch Positive
Hawaiian Electric:
Long-term issuer default, long-term and issuer credit, respectively BB- Ba2 B+
Senior unsecured debt/special purpose revenue bonds BB Ba2 *
Cumulative preferred stock (selected series) * WR1 *
Outlook Positive Positive Watch Positive
1 Rating withdrawn due to preferred stock redemption in the fourth quarter of 2025.
* Not rated.
NP - Not Prime
WR - Withdrawn rating
Note: The above ratings reflect only the view, at the time the ratings are issued or affirmed, of the applicable rating agency, from whom an explanation of the significance of such ratings may be obtained. Such ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold any securities; such ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the rating agencies; and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
Unless and until these debt ratings are upgraded to investment grade, the Company will continue to have restricted access to lower cost sources of capital. Recent projects, such as, wildfire mitigation plan, grid modernization, reliability and resilience all require significant capital expenditures to implement. The Company may not be able to obtain the necessary financing to achieve its business objectives as a result of the downgrades. Accordingly, the Company’s financial condition, liquidity, cash flows and results of operations may be adversely impacted if debt credit ratings are maintained at below investment grade for an extended period of time.
HEI’s and Hawaiian Electric’s credit ratings only reflect the view, at the time the ratings are issued, of the applicable rating agency. There is no assurance that any such credit rating will remain in effect for any given period of time or that such rating will not be lowered, suspended or withdrawn entirely by the applicable rating agency if, in such rating agency’s judgment, circumstances, such as current, past or future effects or events so warrant. Any such lowering, suspension or withdrawal of any rating may have an adverse effect on the availability of capital to the Company or the market price or marketability of HEI’s and/or Hawaiian Electric’s securities, which could increase the cost of capital of HEI and Hawaiian Electric, and such increased costs, including interest charges, under HEI’s and/or Hawaiian Electric’s debt securities and credit facilities, would result in reductions in HEI’s consolidated net income in future periods. Because HEI’s and Hawaiian Electric’s credit ratings were downgraded, HEI and Hawaiian Electric are unable to sell commercial paper and were required to draw on more expensive bank lines of credit and prioritize capital and other expenditures. Neither HEI nor Hawaiian Electric management can predict the duration of the downgrades and future rating agency actions or their effects on the future cost of capital of HEI or Hawaiian Electric. Such ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold any securities; such ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the rating agencies; and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
Extreme weather events and other natural disasters, particularly those exacerbated by evolving climate dynamics such as the Maui windstorm and wildfires, could materially affect Hawaiian Electric’s assets and infrastructure, particularly if such infrastructure is damaged or is found to have contributed to other catastrophic events such as a wildfire. Extreme weather-related incidents and other natural disasters, including volcanic eruptions, mudslides, hurricanes, tsunamis and other storms, can interfere with the generation and transmission of electricity, and can seriously damage the infrastructure necessary to deliver electricity to customers. Damage to Hawaiian Electric’s infrastructure can also cause or contribute to additional loss through events such as wildfires. These risks are increasing, as evolving climate dynamics have exacerbated some of the conditions that lead to these extreme weather events and natural disasters. Such an event can result in lost revenue and increased expenses for the Utilities, but it also can result in regulatory penalties and disallowances if Hawaiian Electric is unable to restore power on a timely basis. Also, an extreme event can lead to significant claims for damages, including for loss of life and property, and has been the case with the Maui windstorm and wildfires. Therefore, these events could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations.
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Holding Company Risk—HEI is a holding company that derives its income from its principal operating subsidiary, Hawaiian Electric, and depends on the ability of Hawaiian Electric to pay dividends or make other distributions to HEI and on its own ability to raise capital. HEI is a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries. As a holding company, HEI’s cash flows and consequent ability to service its obligations and pay dividends on its common stock is dependent upon its receipt of dividends or other distributions from Hawaiian Electric and its ability to issue common stock or other equity securities and to incur additional debt. A material reduction or delay in dividends or other distributions by Hawaiian Electric for an extended period of time, such as a continuation or expansion of the reduction in dividends that HEI currently is experiencing due to the Maui windstorm and wildfires, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The ability of Hawaiian Electric to pay dividends or make other distributions to HEI, in turn, is subject to the risks associated with their operations and to contractual and regulatory restrictions, including:
•the provisions of an HEI agreement with the PUC (PUC Agreement), which could limit the ability of HEI’s principal electric public utility subsidiary, Hawaiian Electric, to pay dividends to HEI in the event that the consolidated common stock equity of the Utilities falls below 35% of total capitalization of the Utilities. As of December 31, 2025, the consolidated common stock equity of HEI’s electric utility subsidiaries was 42% of their total capitalization based on the current definition under the PUC Agreement and, as a result, the Utilities are restricted in cash payment of their dividend to HEI at this time (see Note 15 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.); and
•the provisions of debt instruments of HEI and its subsidiaries.
Credit and Capital Market Risk—The Company, and its lowered credit rating, is subject to risks associated with the Hawaii economy, including catastrophic events such as the Maui windstorm and wildfires (in the aggregate and on an individual island basis), volatile U.S. capital markets and changes in the interest rate and credit market environment that have or could result in higher retirement benefit plan funding requirements and restrictions on the ability of HEI or its subsidiaries to borrow money or issue securities. The two largest components of Hawaii’s economy are tourism and the federal government (including the military). Because the core businesses of HEI’s subsidiaries are providing local public electric utility services (through Hawaiian Electric and its subsidiaries), the Company’s operating results are significantly influenced by: Hawaii’s economy, which in turn is influenced by economic conditions in the mainland U.S. (particularly California) and Asia (particularly Japan) as a result of the impact of those conditions on tourism; by the impact of interest rates on the construction and real estate industries and by the impact of federal government spending in Hawaii, which can be affected by world conditions; and, from time to time, the expiration of federal government appropriations bills. In addition, the Hawaii economy could be directly or indirectly affected by implications and potential impacts of U.S. and foreign capital and credit market conditions and federal, state and international responses to those conditions and the potential impacts of global and local developments (including economic conditions and uncertainties; unrest, terrorist acts, wars (such as the Russia-Ukraine war), conflicts, political protests, deadly virus epidemic, pandemics, or other crisis; the effects of changes that have or may occur in U.S. policy, such as with respect to immigration and trade).
Changes in the U.S. capital markets can also have significant effects on the Company. For example, pension funding requirements are affected by the market performance of the assets in the master pension trust maintained for pension plans, and by the discount rate used to estimate the service and interest cost components of net periodic pension cost and value obligations. The Utilities’ pension tracking mechanisms help moderate pension expense; however, a significant reduction in the discount rate or in the value of the Company’s defined benefit pension plan assets could result in a substantial increase in the gap between the projected benefit obligations under the plans and the value of plan assets, resulting in increases in funding requirements.
HEI and the Utilities are also exposed to interest rate risk primarily due to their periodic borrowing requirements, the discount rate used to determine pension funding requirements and the possible effect of interest rates on the Utilities’ rates of return. Interest rates are sensitive to many factors, including general economic conditions and the policies of government and regulatory authorities. HEI cannot predict future changes in interest rates, nor be certain that interest rate risk management strategies it or its subsidiaries have implemented will be successful in managing interest rate risk.
There may be future conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, and it is possible that any plan developed to alleviate such doubt may be unsuccessful. In addition, any capital raised may result in dilution to our current shareholders. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company incurred losses from continuing operations of approximately $1.32 billion. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Utilities incurred net losses of approximately $1.23 billion. The net losses for the year ended December 31, 2024, were primarily due to the accruals of estimated wildfire liabilities in the second and third quarters of 2024, totaling approximately $1.92 billion related to the Maui windstorm and wildfire tort-related legal claims. The Company previously disclosed in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 30, 2024, that based on its financial and liquidity condition, and because it had not yet implemented a capital financing plan to address proposed wildfire settlement payments, there was substantial doubt about HEI’s and the Utilities’ ability to continue as a going concern. In the third quarter of 2024, the Company was able to alleviate the conditions that caused the substantial doubt about HEI’s and the Utilities’ ability to continue as a going concern.
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Management believes the Company’s cash and cash equivalents amount of $502 million and GLST1’s restricted cash amount of $479 million, both as of December 31, 2025, the available capacity on Hawaiian Electric’s asset-based lending facility (ABL Facility) (see Note 6 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein), additional liquidity under HEI’s registered at-the-market offering program as well as expenditure reduction efforts effectively alleviate any conditions that may cause substantial doubt regarding HEI’s and Utilities’ ability to continue as a going concern. The Company has adequate cash to meet its financial obligations and sustain operations in the short term, including available sufficient liquidity to fund the first installment of the settlement of wildfire tort claims (expected to be made no sooner than early 2026) and its other cash obligations for the next 12 months following the issuance of its financial statements. The plans that have been implemented have mitigated the conditions that previously caused the substantial doubt about HEI’s and the Utilities’ ability to continue as a going concern as of the date of filing their 2024 second quarter financial statements. Although the Company has raised sufficient cash to pay the first installment of the settlement of wildfire tort claims, the Company is currently working with its financial advisors on a financing plan to raise the additional capital necessary to fund the remaining settlement of wildfire tort claims. While management believes the Company will be able to raise the necessary capital, there is no assurance that management’s plans will be successful. If the financing plans are unsuccessful, the Company may need to consider other strategic alternatives.
The recurrence of any substantial doubt about HEI’s and the Utilities’ ability to continue as a going concern may affect the price of our common stock, may impact our relationship with third parties with whom the Company does business, including our vendors, lenders and employees, may impact our ability to raise additional capital or refinance existing debt and may impact our ability to comply, going forward, with certain covenants in our debt agreements and/or satisfy conditions to draw thereunder, which could significantly and materially restrict our operations.
If a court-approved definitive settlement agreement to resolve Maui windstorm and wildfire tort-related legal claims is not obtained, or if financing for settlement payments is not available, the Company may need to consider other alternatives for addressing the outstanding legal claims or settlement payments, and such alternatives could adversely affect our financial results or other factors impacting our finances, operations or stock valuation. As described more fully in Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, the Company entered into Settlement Agreements effective November 1, 2024, to resolve all Maui windstorm and wildfire tort-related legal claims, including all claims among the defendants. Such Settlement Agreements are subject to court approval, and other conditions including resolution of the claims of the insurance companies that have paid claims for property loss and other damages. If all conditions of the Settlement Agreements are satisfied, the Company has agreed to make substantial payments to settle all Maui windstorm and wildfire tort-related legal claims. As described more fully in Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, if the conditions of the Settlement Agreements are not satisfied or the agreements are otherwise terminated, the Company intends to vigorously defend against the litigation. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in the defense of the litigation or that insurance proceeds will be available to fund any potential settlements, judgments, or costs associated with the litigation.
If all conditions of the Settlement Agreements are satisfied, the Company expects to finance the settlement payments through a mix of debt, common equity, equity-linked securities or other potential options. While management believes the Company will be able to raise the capital necessary to finance the settlement payments, there is no assurance that future financing will be available in sufficient amounts, on a timely basis or on reasonable terms acceptable to us, if at all.
If the Company’s financing plans are unsuccessful, the Company may need to consider other strategic alternatives, including delaying strategic initiatives, selling assets, or other strategic measures including, without limitation, obtaining relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Such alternatives could adversely affect our financial results or other factors impacting our finances, operations or stock valuation.
Shareholders of HEI’s common stock may experience future dilution as a result of future equity offerings. In order to raise additional capital, including capital necessary to fund litigation settlement expenses, the Company may in the future offer additional shares of HEI’s Common Stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for HEI Common Stock at prices that may not be the same as the current market price per share, and investors purchasing shares or other securities in the future could have rights superior to existing stockholders. The price per share at which the Company may sell additional shares of HEI Common Stock, or securities convertible or exchangeable into HEI Common Stock, in future transactions may be higher or lower than the current market price per share of HEI Common Stock.
In addition, any future sales of a substantial number of shares of HEI Common Stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the price of HEI Common Stock. The Company cannot predict the effect, if any, that market sales of those shares of Common Stock, or the perception that those shares may be sold, will have on the market price of HEI Common Stock. Further, the Company may not have the ability to raise the amount of capital necessary on reasonable terms, or at all, to fund our contribution to the Maui wildfire tort litigation settlement, and uncertainties about the Company’s access to capital could have a material adverse effect on the market price of HEI Common Stock.
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The Company does not expect to pay any dividends on HEI Common Stock in the foreseeable future. The Company does not currently intend to pay dividends on HEI Common Stock and currently intends to retain future earnings, if any, to fund the development and growth of the Company’s business and to fund future settlement payments of the tort-related legal claims in the litigation arising out of the Maui windstorm and wildfires. In addition, the terms of certain existing and any future debt agreements may preclude the Company from paying dividends on HEI Common Stock. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of HEI Common Stock may be your sole source of gain for the foreseeable future.
Tax Legislation Risk—Adverse tax rulings or developments or changes in tax legislation could result in significant increases in tax payments and/or expense. Governmental taxing authorities could challenge a tax return position taken by HEI or its subsidiaries and if the taxing authorities prevail, HEI’s consolidated tax payments and/or expense, including applicable penalties and interest, could increase significantly. Additionally, changes in tax legislation or IRS interpretations could increase the Company’s tax burden and adversely affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
Geographic Concentration Risk—The Company is subject to the risks associated with the geographic concentration of its businesses and current lack of interconnections that could result in service interruptions at the Utilities. The business of the Utilities is concentrated on the individual islands they serve in the State of Hawaii. Their operations are more vulnerable to service interruptions than that of many U.S. mainland utilities because none of the systems of the Utilities are interconnected with the systems on the other islands they serve. Because of this lack of interconnections, it is necessary to maintain higher generation reserve margins than are typical for U.S. mainland utilities to help ensure reliable service. Service interruptions, including, in particular, extended interruptions that could result from a natural disaster or terrorist activity, could adversely impact the revenues and costs of some or all of the Utilities.
Competitive and Technological Risk—Increasing competition and technological advances could cause HEI’s businesses to lose customers or render their operations obsolete. Certain aspects of the electric utility industry are competitive. The success of HEI’s subsidiaries in meeting competition and responding to technological advances will continue to have a direct impact on HEI’s consolidated financial performance. For example:
•The Utilities face competition from customer self-generation, with or without cogeneration; customer energy storage; wheeling of renewable energy under Senate Bill 589, now known as Act 266, and the potential formation of community-based, cooperative ownership or municipality structures for electrical service on all islands it serves. With the exception of certain identified projects, the Utilities are required to use competitive bidding to acquire a future generation resource unless the PUC finds competitive bidding to be unsuitable. This means that unless exempt, proposed company-owned generation projects must be bid into a request for proposals which is open to IPPs, and be selected under a competitive bidding process. The PUC sets policies for distributed generation interconnection agreements and standby rates. The results of competitive bidding, customer self-generation, wheeling, and potential cooperative ownership or municipality structures for electric utility service, and the rate at which technological developments facilitating nonutility generation of electricity, combined heat and power technology, off-grid microgrids, and customer energy storage may render the operations of the Utilities less competitive or outdated and adversely affect the Utilities and the results of their operations.
Cybersecurity and Physical Security Risk—The Company’s information technology systems and operations could be impacted by a cyber incident, cybersecurity breach, or physical attack that could materially and adversely affect its businesses and reputation. The Company and its subsidiaries rely on information technology systems, some of which are managed or hosted by third party service providers, to manage its business data, communications, and other business processes. Such information technology systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks or other security incidents, which could result in unauthorized access to confidential data, ransomware demands or disruptions to operations. In addition, there is increasing cybersecurity risk associated with the broad adoption of a remote working environment. If the Company is unable to prevent or adequately respond to and resolve an incident, it may have a material impact on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation.
Utilities. The Utilities rely on evolving and complex operational systems and infrastructure and information systems, networks and other technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, which are interconnected with the systems and network infrastructure owned by third parties to support a variety of business processes and activities, including procurement and supply chain, invoicing and collection of payments, customer relationship management, human resource management, the acquisition, generation and delivery of electrical service to customers, and to process financial information and results of operations for internal reporting purposes and to comply with regulatory financial reporting and legal and tax requirements. The Utilities use their systems and infrastructure to create, collect, store, and process sensitive information, including personal information regarding customers, employees and their dependents, retirees, and other individuals. Their systems are vulnerable to disability, failures or unauthorized access caused by natural disasters, physical attacks, cybersecurity incidents, security breaches, user error, unintentional defects created by system changes, military or terrorist actions, nation-
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state threat actors, criminal organizations, power or communication failures or similar events. Any such failure could have a material adverse impact on the Utilities’ ability to process transactions and provide service, as well the Utilities’ financial condition and results of operations. Physical attacks targeting physical assets or personnel could cause damage, disrupt operations, or cause injuries. Any failure, interruption, or decrease in the functionality of the Utility’s operational networks could cause harm to the public or employees, significantly disrupt operations, negatively impact the Utility’s ability to operate in a safe and efficient manner, and damage the Utility’s assets or operations or those of third parties. Further, a data breach involving theft, improper disclosure, or other unauthorized access to or acquisition of confidential information could subject the Utilities to penalties for violation of applicable privacy laws, claims by third parties, and enforcement actions by government agencies. A data breach could also reduce the value of proprietary information, and harm the reputation of the Utilities.
Private and public entities, such as the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, and the U.S. federal government, including the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security and Energy, and the White House, have noted that cyberattacks targeting utility systems are increasing in sophistication, magnitude, and frequency. The Utilities’ systems have been, and will likely continue to be, a target of attacks. Further, the Utilities’ operational networks may be subject to unforeseen operational/cybersecurity risks due to the reliance on legacy operational components or modernizing and interconnecting existing infrastructure with new technologies and control systems, including those owned by third parties, such as independent power producers, distributed energy resource aggregators and customers. Although the Utilities have not experienced a material cybersecurity or physical security breach to date, such incidents may occur and may have a material adverse effect on the Utilities and the Company in the future. The Utilities continue to make investments in their cybersecurity and physical security programs, including personnel, technologies, cyber insurance and training of Utilities personnel; however, there can be no assurance that these systems or their expected functionality will be implemented, maintained, or expanded effectively; nor can security measures completely eliminate the possibility of a cybersecurity breach or physical attack. The Utilities maintain cyber liability insurance that covers certain damages caused by cyber incidents. However, there is no guarantee that adequate insurance will continue to be available at rates the Utilities believe are reasonable or that the costs of responding to, and recovering from, a cyber incident will be covered by insurance or recoverable in rates. If the Utilities’ operational technologies or networks were to malfunction or fail or cybersecurity or other security measures were to be breached, the Utilities could suffer financial loss, business disruptions, liability to customers, regulatory intervention or damage to their reputations.
Due to the size, scope and complexity of the Utilities’ business, the development and maintenance of information technology systems to process and track information is critical and challenging. The Utilities often rely on third-party vendors to host, maintain, modify, and update its systems and these third-party vendors could cease to exist, fail to establish adequate processes to protect the Utilities systems and information, experience supply chain compromises or other internal or external security incidents. In addition, the Utilities are pursuing complex business transformation initiatives, which include the implementation of new systems and the upgrade or replacement of existing systems. Significant system changes increase the risk of system interruptions, which may occur. Further, delay or failure to complete the integration of information systems and processes may result in delays in regulatory cost recovery, or the failure to realize the benefits anticipated to be derived from these initiatives.
The Utilities’ disaster recovery plans may not be successful in preventing the loss of customer data, service interruptions and disruptions to operations or damage to important facilities. If any of these systems fail to operate properly or become disabled and the Utilities’ disaster recovery plans do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, the Utilities could suffer financial loss, business disruptions, liability to customers, regulatory intervention or damage to their reputations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Utilities’ and the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
Uninsured Losses—HEI’s businesses could suffer losses that are uninsured due to a lack of affordable insurance coverage, unavailability of insurance coverage or limitations on the insurance coverage the Company does have. In the ordinary course of business, HEI and its subsidiaries purchase insurance coverages (e.g., property and liability coverages) to protect against loss of, or damage to, their properties and against claims made by third parties and employees for property damage or personal injuries. However, the protection provided by such insurance is limited in significant respects and, in some instances, there is no coverage. Some of the insurance coverages have substantial deductibles or have limits on the maximum amounts that may be recovered. In common with other companies in its line of business, the Utilities’ overhead and underground transmission and distribution systems (with the exception of substation buildings and contents), which have a replacement value roughly estimated at $14 billion, are largely not insured against loss or damage because the amount of transmission and distribution system insurance capacity is limited and the premiums are cost prohibitive. Similarly, the Utilities have no business interruption insurance as the premiums for such insurance would be cost prohibitive, particularly since the Utilities are not interconnected to other systems. If a hurricane or other uninsured catastrophic natural disaster were to occur, and if the PUC did not allow the affected Utilities to recover from ratepayers restoration costs and revenues lost from business interruption, the lost revenues and repair expenses could result in a significant decrease in HEI’s consolidated net income or in significant net losses for the affected periods.
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Related to damages and costs incurred as a result of the Maui windstorm and wildfires, the Company has property insurance with a total policy limit of $500 million, subject to a $1 million retention, for wildfire damages related to Utility-owned non-generating assets, including overhead transmission and distribution assets within 1,000 feet of such assets. The Company also has $165 million of excess liability insurance and $25 million of professional liability insurance for third party claims, including claims related to wildfires, with a retention of $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and $145 million directors and officers liability insurance to cover claims related to shareholder and derivative lawsuits, with a retention of $1.0 million. The aggregate damages and costs associated with the Maui windstorm and wildfires could significantly exceed the Company’s policy limits.
Environmental Regulation—Increased federal and state environmental regulation will require an increasing commitment of resources and funds and could result in construction delays or penalties and fines for non-compliance. HEI and its subsidiaries are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations relating to air quality, water quality, hazardous substances, waste management, natural resources and health and safety, which regulate, among other matters, the operation of existing facilities, the construction and operation of new facilities and the proper cleanup and disposal of hazardous and toxic wastes and substances. These laws and regulations could result in increased capital, operating, and other costs. HEI or its subsidiaries are currently involved in investigatory or remedial actions at current, former or third-party sites and there is no assurance that the Company will not incur material costs relating to these sites. In addition, compliance with these legal requirements requires the Utilities to commit significant resources and funds toward, among other things, environmental monitoring, installation of pollution control equipment, payment of emission fees and natural resource minimization and mitigation costs. These laws and regulations, among other things, require that certain environmental permits be obtained in order to construct or operate certain facilities, and obtaining such permits can entail significant expense and cause substantial construction delays. Also, these laws and regulations may be amended from time to time, including amendments that increase the burden and cost of compliance. For example, emission and/or discharge limits may be tightened, more extensive permitting requirements may be imposed and additional substances may become regulated. In addition, significant regulatory uncertainty exists regarding the impact of federal or state greenhouse gas emission limits and reductions.
If HEI or its subsidiaries fail to comply with environmental laws and regulations, even if caused by factors beyond their control, that failure may result in civil or criminal penalties and fines or the cessation of operations that could have a material adverse on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
Electric utility risks.
The following risks are generally specific to Hawaiian Electric, but could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
Regulatory Risk—Actions of the PUC are outside the control of the Utilities and could result in inadequate or untimely rate increases, rate reductions or refunds or unanticipated delays, expenses or writedowns in connection with the construction of new projects. The rates the Utilities are allowed to charge for their services and the timeliness of permitted rate increases are among the most important items influencing the Utilities’ results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. The PUC has broad discretion over the rates that the Utilities charge their customers. On December 23, 2020, as part of the D&O establishing the PBR Framework, the PUC established a five-year Multi-year Rate Period (MRP) during which there will be no general rate cases. In the fourth year of the MRP, the PUC began its comprehensive review of the PBR Framework to determine if any modifications or revisions are appropriate. The Utilities are currently exploring a collaborative non-rate case re-basing proposal under the PBR Framework as an alternative to a rate case process. This alternative could be implemented by January 2027. If a satisfactory non-rate case re-basing alternative cannot be achieved, the Utilities would file a rate case in the second half of 2026, utilizing a 2027 test year.
Any adverse decision by the PUC concerning the level or method of determining electric utility rates at the end of the MRP, including the items and amounts that may be included in rate base, the returns on equity or rate base found to be reasonable, the potential consequences of exceeding or not meeting such returns, the denial of exceptional project recovery applications during the MRP, adverse impact of adjustments made to the PBR Framework, decisions on recovery of exogenous items under the PBR Framework, or any prolonged delay in rendering a decision in a rate or other proceeding could have a material adverse effect on Hawaiian Electric’s consolidated results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
To improve the timing and certainty of cost recovery, the Utilities have received approval of various recovery mechanisms, including an ECRC (which includes a PUC-ordered 98%/2% risk-sharing split between customers and the Utilities for fossil fuel price variations from baseline prices, with a current annual aggregate exposure cap of +/- $3.7 million), a PPAC, and pension and OPEB tracking mechanisms, as well as a decoupling mechanism, an exceptional project recovery mechanism (EPRM) (formerly Major Project Interim Recovery (MPIR) adjustment mechanism), and a Renewable Energy Infrastructure Program surcharge. Any modification or elimination of these cost recovery mechanisms could have a material adverse effect on the Utilities. See “Regulatory mechanisms” in Electric utility’s Business.
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Under the PBR Framework, the Utilities’ annual revenue adjustment (ARA) includes a customer dividend consisting of a negative adjustment of 0.22% compounded annually and a flow through of the “pre-PBR” savings commitment from the management audit recommendations developed in the 2020 test year rate case. The ability of the Utilities to recover increasing costs and earn a reasonable return on capital investments not covered by the ARA or not achieving the customer dividend and cost savings commitment could have a material adverse effect on the Utilities. In addition, several existing Performance Incentive Mechanisms (PIMs) remain in effect. The PUC has indicated that in the next phase of PBR review, it will examine modifications to the I-factor and the customer dividend provisions of the ARA, the earnings sharing mechanism, revenue opportunities from the X-factor and the EPRM guidelines, and the PIM portfolio. The assessment of penalties for not achieving performance goals or the failure to achieve PIMs rewards could affect the Utilities’ ability to achieve their allowed ROACEs and also have a material adverse effect on the Utilities.
Related to the Maui windstorm and wildfires, the Utilities obtained PUC approval to defer certain non-labor expenses incurred from August 8, 2023 through December 31, 2025 that are not already a part of base rates. If the PUC denies recovery of any deferred costs, such costs would be charged to expense in the period that those costs are no longer considered probable of recovery. Additionally, on August 31, 2023, the PUC issued an order temporarily suspending the ESM until further notice. The intent of the order is to address the unintended consequence of customers potentially bearing the costs associated with the Maui windstorm and wildfires through the operation of the ESM without prior PUC review. See “Performance-based regulation framework” and “Regulatory assets for Maui windstorm and wildfires related costs” in Note 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Based on the current operations of the Utilities and regulatory framework, including the impact of the approved PBR Framework, the Utilities continue to follow regulatory accounting under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 980. Continued accounting in this manner requires that certain criteria relating to the recoverability of such costs through rates be met, including achieved financial results that support the recovery of costs. If events or circumstances change, such that the criteria are no longer satisfied, the Utilities expect that their regulatory assets (amounting to $308 million as of December 31, 2025), net of regulatory liabilities (amounting to $1,444 million as of December 31, 2025), would be charged to the statement of income in the period of discontinuance. See “Performance-based regulation framework” in Note 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Utilities could be required to refund, with interest, any revenues collected from customers under interim rate orders in their rate case proceedings and other proceedings that exceed the amounts approved in final orders.
Many public utility projects require PUC approval and various permits (e.g., environmental and land use permits) from other governmental agencies. Difficulties in obtaining, or the inability to obtain, the necessary approvals or permits, or any adverse decision or policy made or adopted, or any prolonged delay in rendering a decision, by an agency with respect to such approvals and permits, can significantly increase project costs or lead to project cancellation. In the event a project does not proceed, or if the PUC disallows cost recovery for all or part of a project, or if project costs exceed caps imposed by the PUC in its approval of the project, project costs may need to be written off in amounts that could result in significant reductions in Hawaiian Electric’s consolidated net income. In addition, as the Utilities may retire fossil fuel generating units before fully recovering of its investment and the PUC disallows recovery of undepreciated costs, the resulting write-offs could have an adverse impact on the Utilities’ results of operations.
Weather Conditions Risk—Electric utility operations are significantly influenced by weather conditions and natural disasters. The Utilities’ results of operations can be affected by the weather and natural disasters. Weather conditions, particularly temperature and humidity, directly impact the demand for electricity. Additionally, severe weather and natural disasters may become more intense and/or frequent because of evolving global climate dynamics. Recent natural disasters such as the Kilauea eruption in 2018, Mauna Loa eruption in 2022, and the Maui windstorm and wildfires in 2023, have disrupted electric utility operations. These types of events can cause outages, property damage and result in significant additional expenses that may not always be recoverable.
Evolving Climate Dynamics Risk—Electric utility operations may be significantly influenced by evolving climate dynamics. While the timing, extent and ultimate effects of evolving climate dynamics cannot be determined with any certainty, such dynamics are predicted to cause sea level rise, which could impact coastal and low-lying areas where much of the Utilities’ electric infrastructure is located. Potential consequences include erosion of beaches, saltwater intrusion into aquifers and surface ecosystems, higher water tables and increased flooding and storm damage due to heavy rainfall. Evolving climate dynamics may also intensify extreme weather conditions including floods, hurricanes, heat waves, and droughts which could increase wildfire risk. These factors along with changes in sea levels, water availability and water quality have the potential to materially and adversely affect the Utilities’ results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. For example, severe weather and its related impacts could cause significant harm to the Utilities’ physical facilities.
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Third Party Performance Risk—Electric utility operations depend heavily on third-party suppliers of fuel and purchased power. The Utilities rely on fuel suppliers and shippers, and IPPs to deliver fuel and power, respectively, in accordance with contractual agreements. Approximately 75% of the net energy generated or purchased by the Utilities in 2025 was generated from the burning of fossil fuel oil, and purchases of power by the Utilities provided about 41% of their total net energy generated and purchased for the same period. Failure or delay by fuel suppliers and shippers to provide fuel pursuant to existing contracts, or failure by a major IPP to deliver as anticipated in its PPA, could disrupt the ability of the Utilities to deliver electricity, affect the Utilities’ maintenance schedules that could affect future reliability and require the Utilities to incur additional expenses to meet the needs of their customers that may not be recoverable. In addition, as the IPP contracts near the end of their terms, there may be less economic incentive for the IPPs to make investments in their units to ensure the availability of their units. Also, as these contractual agreements end, the Utilities may not be able to purchase fuel and power on terms equivalent to the current contractual agreements.
Capacity Risk—The capacity provided by the Utilities’ generating resources and third-party purchased power may not be sufficient to meet customers’ energy requirements. The Utilities rely upon their generating resources and purchased power from third parties to meet their customers’ energy requirements. The Utilities update their generation capacity evaluation each year to determine the Utilities’ ability to meet reasonably expected demands for service and provide reasonable reserves for emergencies and other unplanned events. These evaluations are impacted by a variety of factors, including customer energy demand, energy conservation and efficiency initiatives, economic conditions, and weather patterns. If the capacity provided by the Utilities’ generating resources and third-party purchased power is not adequate relative to customer demand, the Utilities may have to contract to buy more power from third parties, invest in additional generating facilities over the long-term, or extend the operating life of existing utility units. Any failure to meet customer energy requirements could negatively impact the satisfaction of the Utilities’ customers, which could have an adverse impact on the Utilities’ business, reputation and results of operations.
The Energy Reserve Margin, the planning criteria used to determine generation adequacy, is the percentage which the system generation capacity must exceed the system load in each hour. The Utilities’ Energy Reserve Margin is satisfied from 2026 through 2030 with the addition of planned generation and storage resource additions for all islands except for Hawaii Island and Lanai, which forecasts are near or slightly below target levels. The One Big Beautiful Act signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025, impacts the ability of recently selected and new wind and solar projects to qualify for federal tax credits. Any loss in renewable energy tax credits will likely result in higher prices for new renewable projects, which rely on such incentives to provide clean, affordable energy. The Utilities have plans to address these issues through managing maintenance schedules of existing generations, and if necessary, may request for voluntary customer conservation during periods of high power demands. The environment for resource planning has increased in complexity and uncertainty and the Utilities will continue using a portfolio approach to meet its obligation to serve. This includes increased renewable energy, energy storage, and other potential options, both supply side and customer programs. If the Utilities are unable to meet customer energy requirements, it could negatively impact the satisfaction of the Utilities’ customers, which could have an adverse impact on the Utilities’ business, reputation and results of operations.
Stakeholder Activism Risk—Electric utility and third-party purchased power projects may be significantly impacted by stakeholder activism. The potential impact of stakeholder activism could increase total utility project costs, and delay the permitting, construction and overall timing or preclude the completion of third-party or utility projects that are required to meet electricity demand, resilience and reliability objectives, and RPS and other climate-related goals. If a utility project cannot be completed, the project costs may need to be written off in amounts that could result in significant reductions in Hawaiian Electric’s consolidated net income and negatively impact its financial condition and liquidity.
Operational Risk—Electric utility generating facilities are subject to operational risks that could result in unscheduled plant outages, unanticipated and/or increased operation and maintenance expenses, increased power purchase costs, and decreased reliability. Operation of electric generating facilities involves certain risks which can adversely affect energy output, efficiency levels, and reliability. Included among these risks are facility shutdowns or power interruptions due to insufficient generation or a breakdown or failure of equipment or processes. In addition, operations could be negatively impacted by interruptions in fuel supply, inability to negotiate satisfactory collective bargaining agreements when existing agreements expire or other labor disputes, inability to comply with regulatory or permit requirements, disruptions in delivery of electricity, operator error, adverse weather or environmental conditions and catastrophic events such as earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, fires, explosions, lava flows, floods or other similar occurrences affecting the Utilities’ generating facilities or transmission and distribution systems.
Workforce Retention Risk—The Utilities may be adversely affected by not being able to attract and retain qualified personnel. The Utilities’ workforce, particularly key executives, are critical to their ability to achieve their business strategies. If the Utilities are unable to successfully attract or retain a skilled workforce, the Utilities may face the risk of disruptions, which could have an adverse impact on the Utilities’ business and results of operations. For example, Act 258 sets forth a condition on the securitization that may prohibit the Utilities from providing any increase in compensation, including any
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bonuses, to their officers for a period of time determined by the PUC. The inability to provide reasonable compensation could negatively impact the Utilities’ ability to attract and retain qualified executives.
Legislative Risk—The Utilities may be adversely affected by new legislation, executive orders or administrative actions. The Utilities operations are subject to regulations under a wide variety of federal and state regulations and policies. Changes to federal and state laws, rules, regulations and policies are continuous and ongoing and the federal administration, the U.S. Congress, state legislatures and state administrations may enact and implement new laws, regulations and policies that could adversely and materially affect us. The new federal administration has indicated its intent to implement material changes to the federal government’s structure and operations and to advocate material changes to federal laws, regulations and policies. The Utilities cannot predict future changes in laws, regulations and policies, how they will be implemented and interpreted, or the ultimate effect that this changing environment will have on us. There can be no assurance that laws, regulations and policies will not be changed in ways that have a material adverse effect on the Utilities’ operations, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. The federal and state executive branches, Congress, the Hawaii legislature and governmental agencies have adopted, or are considering adopting, a number of measures that will significantly affect the Utilities, as described below.
Renewable Portfolio Standards law. The 2001 Hawaii Legislature adopted a law requiring the Utilities to meet a renewable portfolio standard, which has been amended over the years. The most recent amendment to Hawaii’s RPS law occurred in July 2022, which former Governor Ige signed as Act 240 (H.B.2089), that amended the RPS calculation from renewable energy as a percentage of sales to renewable energy as a percentage of total generation. The amended RPS calculation results in a lower calculated percentage than the amount calculated under the previous methodology. The change in the definition is to be applied prospectively to future milestone measurements and will require that the Utilities acquire more renewable energy than under the previous RPS calculation to comply with the RPS milestones. The Utilities are committed to achieving these milestones and met the 2015 and 2020 RPS; however, risks such as potential delays in IPPs being able to deliver contracted renewable energy, it is possible the Utilities may not attain the required renewable percentages in the future, and management cannot predict the future consequences of failure to do so (including potential penalties to be assessed by the PUC). On December 19, 2008, the PUC approved a penalty of $20 for every megawatt-hour (MWh) that an electric utility is deficient under Hawaii’s RPS law. The PUC noted, however, that this penalty may be reduced, in the PUC’s discretion, due to events or circumstances that are outside an electric utility’s reasonable control, to the extent the event or circumstance could not be reasonably foreseen and ameliorated, as described in the RPS law and in an RPS framework adopted by the PUC. In addition, the PUC ordered that the Utilities will be prohibited from recovering any RPS penalty costs through rates.
Renewable energy. In 2007, a measure was passed by the Hawaii legislature stating that the PUC may consider the need for increased renewable energy in rendering decisions on utility matters. Due to this measure, it is possible that, if energy from a renewable source is more expensive than energy from fossil fuel, the PUC may still approve the purchase of energy from the renewable source, resulting in higher costs.
Executive orders. In 2025, President Trump has issued multiple executive orders that impact federal funding. The Utilities continue to monitor for any new executive orders and any changes that are passed down through the federal contracting officer for the Resilience Program.
Evolving climate dynamics and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. National and international concern about evolving climate dynamics and the contribution of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (including carbon dioxide emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels) to such dynamics have led to federal legislative and regulatory proposals and action by the State of Hawaii to reduce GHG emissions.
Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) § 269-6(b) requires that “in making determinations of the reasonableness of the costs pertaining to electric or gas utility system capital improvements and operations, the PUC shall explicitly consider, quantitatively or qualitatively, the effect of the state’s reliance on fossil fuels on price volatility, export of funds for fuel imports, fuel supply reliability risk, and greenhouse gas emissions.” Based on HRS § 269-6(b) and recent case law discussing the scope of this section, the Utilities are performing GHG analyses to quantitatively or qualitatively describe the GHG emissions of proposed projects involving system capital improvements and operations that are submitted to the PUC for approval. On June 20, 2024, House Bill 2390 was signed into law as Act 54 and took effect on July 1, 2024. Act 54 authorizes the PUC to waive a lifecycle GHG analysis for energy projects that do not involve combustion. On September 18, 2024, the PUC approved the Utilities’ waiver requests for the Stage 3 solar plus storage and wind projects.
In June 2018, House Bill 2182 was signed into law as Act 15 and took effect on July 1, 2018. Among its provisions, Act 15 aligned the state’s clean energy and carbon sequestration efforts with climate initiative goals and established a statewide carbon neutral goal by 2045. Under this Act, efforts would be made to “sequester more atmospheric carbon and greenhouse gases than emitted within the state as quickly as practicable, but no later than 2045.” The Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, administratively placed under the State Department of Land and Natural Resources, was charged with endeavoring to achieve the target, and giving consideration to the impact of its plans, decisions and strategies on the state’s
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ability to attain the goal. The general functions, duties and powers of the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission are set forth in HRS § 225P-3. To achieve its mandates, the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission may recommend plans, decisions and strategies that could have an impact on various entities including the Utilities. In July 2022, House Bill 1800 was signed into law as Act 238 and took effect on July 1, 2022. The Act established a goal for the statewide greenhouse gas emissions limit to be at least 50% below 2005 levels by 2030.
The Utilities have taken, and continue to identify opportunities to take, direct action to reduce GHG emissions from their operations while focusing on reliability and managing cost impacts, including, but not limited to, supporting demand-side management programs that foster energy efficiency, using renewable resources for energy production and purchasing power from IPPs generated by renewable resources, and burning renewable biodiesel at selected Hawaiian Electric and Maui Electric generating units. In the fourth quarter of 2021, the Utilities outlined their Climate Action Plan to cut carbon emissions from power generation 70% by 2030, compared to a 2005 baseline. The emissions covered by this goal include stack emissions from generation owned by Hawaiian Electric and IPPs who sell electricity to the Utilities. Since that time, delays and cancellations in the commercial operation of new renewable third-party generation resources and higher costs as a result of supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures, as well as federal policies have slowed the pace of progress toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Also, see the “Developments in renewable energy efforts—New renewable PPAs” section in Hawaiian Electric’s MD&A. The One Big Beautiful Act signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025 may impact the ability of recently selected and new wind and solar projects to qualify for federal tax credits. Any loss in renewable energy tax credits could lead to project risk for new wind and solar projects in development and will likely result in higher prices for new renewable projects, which rely on such incentives to provide clean, affordable energy. Further, new tariffs imposed on equipment and materials used in the construction of renewable facilities will have an impact on pricing of new renewable projects. As a result of these challenges and the downgrade of Hawaiian Electric’s credit ratings after the Maui windstorm and wildfires, the Utilities expect the planned 70% reduction in carbon emissions to be achieved later than the original 2030 target date. However, the Utilities will continue to replace significant amounts of fossil fuel generation with renewable energy between now and 2030 and expect to meet or exceed the State of Hawaii’s 2030 RPS goals.
Alternative business models. The Utilities are regulated operations engaged in the production, purchase, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity as a vertically integrated electric company. Any changes through the enactment of law to their current business model to alternative models, such as co-ops or a municipal, or to unbundle generation from transmission and distribution could potentially cause the Utilities to lose their competitive advantages and negatively impact the Utilities’ results of operations.
The foregoing legislation or legislation that now is, or may in the future be, proposed, such as potential carbon “cap and trade” legislation that, if applicable, may fundamentally alter costs to produce electricity and accelerate the move to renewable generation, present risks and uncertainties for the Utilities.