Dive Brief:
- Hawaiian Electric is seeking information from private companies that can join in promoting demand response on the island of Oahu, following a July proposal submitted to state regulators which envisioned a wide range of residential and commercial programs.
- Companies can provide data on their level of interest, expertise and experience in executing a variety of demand response programs; the deadline to respond is Dec. 15, Pacific Business News reports.
- The request for information envisions a suite of demand response programs helping to boost clean energy on Oahu as the utility continues to pursue innovative programs like large-scale storage and renewables.
Dive Insight:
Seeking ways to improve efficiency and integrate more clean energy onto its system, Hawaiian Electric is "pursuing DR programs that can be readily implemented, comprise a diverse set of features, employ customer equipment, meet grid service requirements, and can be adroitly administered to maintain system reliability," according to the RFI.
Based on the information received the utilities will be able to design and effectively execute their procurement processes, with the goal of having more demand response programs online by January 2016, or sooner.
"With demand response, customers get financial rewards that lower their monthly bills. We reduce use of more expensive, oil-fired generators to meet electricity needs and have greater ability to support renewable energy,” said Shelee Kimura, Hawaiian Electric vice president for corporate planning and business development. “Demand response programs are beneficial for our customers and the environment."
HECO said it intends to increase demand response in cooperation with others, including Hawaii Energy, the PUC-appointed public benefits fund administrator that manages energy efficiency programs, including rebates for solar water heating and energy efficient appliances.
