Statement by Senator Mike Gabbard Regarding Solar PV Interconnection Hearing

(Honolulu, October 14, 2013) The Energy & Environmental Protection, Energy & Environment, Consumer Protection & Commerce, and Commerce & Consumer Protection committees held an informational briefing today at the State Capitol to discuss recent changes to Hawaiian Electric Company’s solar PV grid interconnection policies.

Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment, issued this statement after the hearing:

“One positive result of today’s discussion is that HECO has made the decision to allow 228 customers who already had a PV contract before these interconnection changes to go ahead and connect to the grid. But we’re still faced with the huge problem that PV installations on O‘ahu are virtually at a standstill. This means the solar industry is laying off people during its busiest time of the year and homeowners and businesses can’t move forward with installing PV to lower their electricity costs. I’ve asked HECO and the solar industry to report back to the Legislature by November 14th on the progress they’ve made in coming up with a solution.”