What Comes After Net Metering: Hawaii’s Latest Postcard From the Future
Renewables policy issues in Hawaii are commonly referred to as postcards from the future because the high penetration of solar on the isolated island’s grid has forced the power sector into changes that many observers expect to hit the mainland in the coming years. If and when that happens, the decisions Hawaii utilities and their regulators make will help instruct utility regulators across the country.
“This Order initiates the first step in an evolution of distributed energy resource (“DER”) policies,” the commission wrote in its decision ending Phase 1 of its DER proceeding, “which will significantly advance the integration of DER throughout the State.”
Along with new DG remuneration rates, the commission also approved revised and streamlined interconnection standards and provided guidance toward policies it wants stakeholders to work on in the next phase of the proceeding.
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