Hawaii Takes Bold Renewable Energy Initiatives

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http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=54036

Hawaiian governor Linda Lingle announced in October a comprehensive agreement that is aimed at decisively moving the state away from its dependence on fossil fuels for electricity and ground transportation and toward renewable energy.

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Major highlights of the agreement include:

A commitment to integrate as much as 1100 megawatts (MW) of already identified additional renewable energy on the Hawaiian Electric companies' grids (700 MW to be implemented within five years).

The construction of an undersea cable connecting Maui, Molokai and L?nai into one electrical grid to allow the integration of an additional 400 MW of renewable wind power generated in Maui County for transmission to Oahu.

A requirement that 40 percent of electric power come from renewable resources by 2030, doubling the current Renewable Portfolio Standard requirement law.

A feed-in tariff system designed to dramatically accelerate the addition of renewable energy from new sources by providing published purchased power prices for renewable power providers, which would encourage increased development of alternative energy projects.

Seeking prompt approvals from the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission for the immediate deployment of advanced meters and for implementation of time-of-use rates that reward customers with lower electric rates for using power during off-peak times. This change will support the development of a "smart grid" to allow customers far greater control of their energy use and their electricity bills.

Changing the way Hawaiian Electric is compensated by moving away from a business model that places reliance on increased electric sales.

Commitment from the Hawaiian Electric companies to retire older fossil fuel powered energy generation plants as Hawai‘i moves to a renewable energy future.

Conversion of existing fossil fuel generators to renewable biofuels, ultimately using crops grown locally and in a sustainable manner.

A prohibition on the construction of any new coal plants in Hawaii.

Expanding the Pay-As-You-Save program under which customers can install solar water heating systems without having to pay money up front, but can acquire energy-saving improvements through shared savings on their electric bills.

Eliminating existing system-wide caps on net energy metering to allow customers on each island to produce their own renewable energy and obtain credit on their electric bills for any excess exported to the grid.

Submitting a proposal to the PUC for establishment of "lifeline" rates, which provide a cap for certain low income customers.

Committing the state and Hawaiian Electric Companies to a program that will identify and implement incentives needed to encourage adoption of electric vehicles for individual and fleet use, and also lead by example by acquiring hybrid or electric-only vehicles for government and utility fleets.

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