Hawaii's electric utility wants to raise rates, which is bad news for people on fixed incomes already paying some of the highest power bills in the country.

• Statewide hearings on the proposed increase just wrapped up.
• A typical home bill would go up $11 to $15 a month, depending on the island.
• HECO says the money is needed to strengthen the grid and upgrade its systems.
• Retirees told the commission they simply cannot cover higher bills on fixed incomes.
• Critics argue big utility-scale projects drive up costs that get passed to customers.

Outlook: The Public Utilities Commission now weighs the testimony before deciding whether to approve the increase.