US: Half of Hawaii’s residents oppose NextEra-HECO sale

About half of Hawaii’s residents oppose NextEra Energy Inc.’s proposed $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co., while about 22 percent of the state’s residents support the deal, according to a new poll commissioned by California-based solar photovoltaic contractor Sunrun.

The poll, conducted by Honolulu-based polling firm SMS, surveyed 400 Hawaii residents across the Islands and had a margin of error of plus or minus5 percent.

The survey also showed that 64 percent of residents would oppose the acquisition if the new company was not locally controlled and 84 percent would oppose the sale if the new company discouraged the installation of rooftop solar systems.

“An overwhelming majority of Hawaii residents believe the takeover of Hawaiian Electric is not in their interests,” Robert Harris, director of public policy for Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN), said in a statement. “Hawaii wants a locally controlled utility that is responsive to customer needs and encourages the installation of rooftop solar systems.”

Full content: CNN Money

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