For Immediate Release: September 21, 2009
DBEDT Release News 09-25

State Obtains Support for Hawai‘i Energy Efficiency Retrofit Upgrades

HONOLULU—Ted Peck, the energy administrator for the State of Hawai‘i, has been named secretary of the board of the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO). Peck was voted onto the board by state energy officials from around the nation during the NASEO's annual meeting that is being held in Annapolis, Maryland this week.

"Being chosen to serve on the NASEO board is a reflection of the progress Hawai‘i is making in reducing our dependence on imported oil and developing renewable energy that capitalizes on Hawai‘i's abundant natural energy resources," said Peck. "Other states and territories around the nation are looking to Hawai‘i as a model for energy independence and security. At the same time, having a leadership role in NASEO positions Hawai‘i to benefit from the continued sharing of innovative ideas and technical solutions other states and territories are pursuing to meet their clean energy goals."

Last October, Governor Linda Lingle named Peck as the State's energy administrator for the Strategic Industries Division at the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT). He is charged with working with all branches of government and the private sector to develop a policy strategy for achieving Hawai‘i's goals of energy security and independence and renewable energy development.

Peck has been with the State's energy office since 2007, and has had a leadership role in numerous initiatives including energy planning, the shaping of the state's approach to renewable energy permitting and facilitation, the state hydrogen program, the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative, the greenhouse gas emission reduction task force, and a number of other strategic initiatives.

Also during the NASEO meeting, Hawai‘i officials obtained a commitment from NASEO's financial advisors to help the State with its energy efficiency retrofit financing options. Through the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative, a partnership between the State of Hawai‘i and the U.S. Department of Energy, Hawai‘i is working to have 70 percent of the state's energy come from clean sources by 2030, including 40 percent from renewable sources and 30 percent through energy efficiency and conservation. The State estimates that achieving the goal of 30 percent energy efficiency will require investments of up to $200 million a year to make energy efficiency accessible to business and homeowners. NASEO's assistance, in conjunction with other private and federal partnerships, will help ensure Hawai‘i business and homeowners have access to up-front capital needed for energy retrofit.

For more information, contact:
Ted Liu
Director
Phone: (808) 586-2355

Ted Peck
State Energy Administrator
Phone: (808) 587-3812