Hawaiian Electric Co.'s president and chief executive officer will be the featured speaker at a conference this summer on the future of utilities.

Dick Rosenblum to discuss new directions in generation technology and the June 17-19 conference in Washington, D.C., sponsored by KEMA Inc., a Dutch electricity consulting firm.

HECO has been actively engaged in supporting and promoting clean energy goals and technologies. In the Clean Energy Initiatives agreement with the State of Hawaii in 2008, HECO committed to increase renewable energy state-wide by 1,100 megawatts by 2030.

"This is a pivotal time for utilities—we must have the long-term vision to shape a clean energy future for the communities we serve," Rosenblum said in a news release.

"The Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative is a clear example of how cooperative, engaged relationships between utilities, government, industry participants and customers can redefine our energy future. Together we are opening new opportunities to broaden strategic focus on renewable generation and energy efficiency and to develop the enabling smart grid technologies and regulatory frameworks."