Hawaii’s Consumer Advocate, Angelo, Recognized for Outstanding Service

The state has appointed Michael S. Angelo as the executive director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Division of Consumer Advocacy. Angelo assumed the position on July 17.

As the Consumer Advocate, Angelo represents consumer interests before the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, as well as other local and federal agencies. This includes reviewing requests for rate and tariff changes and capital improvement projects, among other proceedings.

Angelo brings 18 years of experience in various areas of the energy sector, including his previous work as a research analyst at DCCA, where he assessed utility proposals.

“We are thrilled to have Michael back as the state’s Consumer Advocate,” said Nadine Ando, the director of DCCA, in a press release. “His extensive experience in the energy industry and his dedication to clean energy will be valuable in protecting the interests of our consumers.”

Angelo has also held positions as a technology consultant at Hawaiian Electric, a senior applications engineer at Kevala, Inc. (a data analytics company serving electric utilities, regulators, and renewable energy project developers), and research faculty at the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, University of Hawaii.

Angelo holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from UH.

He also serves as a director on the board of the Young Professionals in Energy’s Honolulu Chapter.

“I am excited to return to the Division of Consumer Advocacy,” said Angelo in a statement. “I am looking forward to continuing the office’s strong advocacy for ratepayers’ interests and supporting Hawaii’s clean energy and environmental policy goals.”