Government Energy Policy, Business and Technology

Third time's the charm: Regulators accept HECO plan for 100% renewables

Utility Dive: The Hawaiian Public Utilities Commission has accepted a plan filed by the state's largest utility Hawaiian Electric Co. (HECO), outlining how it will reach 100% renewable energy resources by 2040 — five years ahead of the state's goal.

HECO's latest iteration of its Power Supply Improvement Plan (PSIP) update was accepted by the PUC on July 14, and it outlines the work to be done by Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawai‘i Electric Light. Along with acquiring almost 400 MW of renewable generating capacity, the plan includes adding energy storage and other grid technologies to aid resiliency, and assumes the continued growth of private rooftop solar.

The PUC directed the utilities to file a plan outside of the docket to detail its planning approaches and schedule for the next round of resource planning. Regulators also noted several areas of concern within the plan, and called for more analysis in future planning proposals to check on the technical feasibility of integrating grid technologies as well as the impact to consumer bills.

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