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Utilities make request regarding renewable energy

The Maui News

Maui Electric Co. and Hawaii Electric Light Co. on the Big Island have asked the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to start the process to seek new renewable energy generation on Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Hawaii island, the utilities said last week.

The request would target projects that can be in service by the end of 2020.

Following established regulatory rules, the two utilities, subsidiaries of Hawaiian Electric Co., are asking the PUC to open dockets to facilitate issuing formal requests for proposals (RFP) for new renewable energy projects and to appoint an independent observer to oversee the procurement process, the Jan. 9 news release said.

Appointing an independent observer early in the process would allow the collaborative design of the RFPs and associated technical, operational and performance requirements for renewable energy proposals, the news release said. Once the PUC approves the RFP design, the companies will release the RFPs that will provide details to prospective bidders on the renewable energy being sought for each island.

A separate RFP would be issued for each island.

The actions are consistent with Hawaiian Electric Cos. updated energy action plans submitted to the PUC on Dec. 23. They envision achieving 100 percent renewable energy on Molokai by 2020, Lanai by 2030 and Maui and Hawaii island by 2040.

“While our energy plans are still under review, we need to move forward in seeking more renewable energy for the benefit of our customers,” said Sharon Suzuki, Maui Electric president. “It’s critical that we move quickly in seeking potential projects that can help meet our state’s clean energy milestones.”

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