PUC accepting public input on HECO’s grid modernization plan

The Maui News

The state Public Utilities Commission opened a docket and is accepting input on Hawaiian Electric Cos. Final Grid Modernization Strategy, which the utility filed Tuesday.

In January, the PUC directed the HECO companies -- which include Maui Electric Co. -- to develop the strategy to provide context and support for future grid modernization projects. An initial draft was submitted to the PUC on June 30, which was presented at public meetings on Maui, the Big Island and Oahu.

"Modernization of Hawaii's electric power systems, which will include the deployment of technologies such as grid management systems, communication infrastructure, sensors and automated controls, is fundamental to integrating renewable energy and achieving the state's energy goals," the PUC said in its news release Wednesday.

HECO's plan outlines near-term initiatives that strengthen the grid through technology to enable more renewable energy resources to be safely and efficiently integrated with the grid, including private rooftop solar. This includes distribution of smart meters strategically rather than systemwide to customers with private rooftop solar on saturated circuits and customers interested in demand-response programs, variable rates or usage data, HECO said.

Past strategies have been to increase power generation to meet increased need but demand-response strategies call for decreasing usage to keep power generated and utilized equal on the grid.

Other parts of the plan call for reliance on advanced inverter technology to enable greater rooftop solar adoption; expanded use of voltage management tools, especially on circuits with heavy solar to maximize circuit capacities for private rooftop solar; and enhanced outage management and notification technology, HECO said.

The longer-term strategy is to continue to evolve the grid as a platform to enable greater customer choice while supporting economic development and "smart communities" that rely on data and energy management systems, the utility said.

HECO estimates the cost to HECO, MECO and Hawaii Electric Light to be $205 million over the next six years.

A copy of the Final Grid Modernization Strategy is available online through the HECO website at www.hawaiianelectric.com/Documents/about_us/investing_in_the_future/final_august_2017_grid_modernization_strategy.pdf and on the PUC Document Management System at dms.puc.hawaii.gov/dms, referencing Docket No. 2017-0226.

Written comments on the plan may be sent by email to puc.comments@hawaii.gov or mailed to the commission at Public Utilities Commission, 465 South King St., Room 103, Honolulu 96813. All written comments should reference Docket No. 2017-0226 and include the commenter's name and the entity or organization the commenter represents.

The deadline for written comment is Sept. 13.