Companies Ask Approval to Seek New Renewable Projects

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In its efforts to continue progress toward achieving clean energy for Hawai‘i, Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawai‘i Electric Light Companies are asking the Public Utilities Commission for approval to seek new renewable projects for O‘ahu, Maui and Hawai‘i Island.

The Companies are asking the PUC for the go-ahead to issue request for proposals (RFP) to competitively procure the most variable renewable resources to be developed at one time in Hawaii. In line with the Power Supply Improvement Plan (PSIP) accepted by regulators in July 2017, and later guidance, those resources include :

• 220 megawatts (MW) for O‘ahu
• 60 MW for the island of Maui
• 20 MW for Hawai‘i Island

The RFP does not designate what renewable technologies may be proposed. Developers have the option to include energy storage in their bids.

The process is designed so developers can take advantage of investment tax credits to lower costs for customers, before credits decline or expire in coming years. The contracts, known as power purchase agreements (PPA), will be designed to address the unique challenges of operating island grids with high concentrations of renewables.

“Opening the door to the next addition of new renewable energy is an exciting next step,” said Hawaiian Electric senior vice president of business development and strategic planning Shelee Kimura. “These projects will contribute to our goal of lower costs for customers and creating sustainable communities.”

See the RFPs awaiting approval here.