Hawaiian Electric Companies (HECO) has received the green light from the Hawaiian Public Utilities Commission (HPUC) for its plan to go 100% renewable by 2040. This will be ahead of the state's goal of 2045.
The three Hawaiian Electric Companies' include Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawaii Electric Light. The proposed plan to HPUC elaborated on efforts that the companies intend to make to meet the state's future electricity needs. It includes acquisition of almost 400 MW of new renewable energy resources by 2021.
These companies have set the renewable energy milestone of 48% by the end of 2020, as against the state's 30%; 72% by the end of 2030, compared to 40% targeted by Hawaii. By 2040, they want to go 100% renewable, while the mandated goal of Hawaii is 70% by that year. Hawaii has set 2045 as the target year to reach 100% renewables based supply.
In the areas serviced by HECO, the percentage of customers using rooftop solar is 17% as against the national average of 1%. It plans to fan this growth to approximately 165,000 private rooftop solar systems by 2030, increasing from the current number of 79,000.
The plan also mentions adding energy storage and other grid technologies to accompany new renewable resources.
"After review, the commission has reasonable assurance that many of the actions identified … are credible, supported by sound judgment and analysis, informed by stakeholder input and consistent with state energy policy and prior commission orders," stated the commission in its decision.
This is the third time HECO had applied seeking approval for its plan. Its applications in 2015 and 2016 were rejected.