Hearing set to discuss solar interconnection policy changes

KHON - September 11, 2014

Lawmakers have scheduled a hearing to get an update from Hawaiian Electric Company and various organizations on the current status of solar interconnection and future plans.

Last September, HECO notified its customers of a policy change that would require permission from the company to proceed with the installation of a PV system. Since the policy change, many solar customers have been facing delays in getting their PV systems connected to the grid.

“There are a lot of moving pieces right now and we need to bring all stakeholders together to connect the dots,” said Sen. Mike Gabbard, chair of the Energy and Environment Committee. “We have solar companies and customers still very unhappy that they can’t connect to the grid. The bottom line is we want to know more about what has already been done and what’s planned for the future to ensure that solar continues to be an option for our residents.”

The hearing is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 19, at 1 p.m. in Conference Room 325 of the Hawaii State Capitol with Senate and House committees on energy and environment, and commerce and consumer protection. It can be viewed live on Olelo Channel 49.