Hawaiian Electric wants permission to buy power from a new solar and battery project on Maui, which would be good news for customers hoping for steadier electric bills.

• The utility has asked Hawaii's Public Utilities Commission to approve a 20-year deal to buy power from Pulehu Solar.
• The project would add 20 megawatts of solar plus battery storage to Maui's grid — enough for 10,000 homes a year.
• Hawaiian Electric says the batteries would store solar power for later use, helping keep electricity prices stable.
• The deal still needs regulators' sign-off before anything gets built.

Outlook: The commission is reviewing the contract now, and approval would clear the way for construction on Maui.