(a) The commission, in carrying out its responsibilities under this chapter, shall consider the value of improving electrical generation, transmission, and distribution systems and infrastructure within the State through the use of advanced grid modernization technology in order to improve the overall reliability and operational efficiency of the Hawaii electric system.

Terms Used In Hawaii Revised Statutes 269-145.5

  • Advanced grid modernization technology: means equipment, facilities, and associated processes that individually or collectively function to improve the reliability, resiliency, flexibility, and efficiency of the Hawaii electric system. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 269-141
  • Commission: means the public utilities commission. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 269-141
  • Hawaii electric system: means all electric elements located within the State together with all interconnections located within the State that collectively provide for the generation, transmission, distribution, storage, regulation, or physical control of electricity over a geographic area; provided that this term shall not include any electric element operating without any interconnection to any other electric element located within the State. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 269-141
  • Interconnection: means the physical contact point connecting an electric element to another electric element or group of electric elements that allows for the flow and transfer of electricity between electric elements. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 269-141
(b) In advancing the public interest, the commission shall balance technical, economic, environmental, and cultural considerations associated with modernization of the electric grid, based on principles that include but are not limited to:

(1) Enabling a diverse portfolio of renewable energy resources;
(2) Expanding options for customers to manage their energy use;
(3) Maximizing interconnection of distributed generation to the State’s electric grids on a cost-effective basis at non-discriminatory terms and at just and reasonable rates, while maintaining the reliability of the State’s electric grids, and allowing such access and rates through applicable rules, orders, and tariffs as reviewed and approved by the commission;
(4) Determining fair compensation for electric grid services and other benefits provided to customers and for electric grid services and other benefits provided by distributed generation customers and other non-utility service providers; and
(5) Maintaining or enhancing grid reliability and safety through modernization of the State’s electric grids.
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