Distributed Generation Tariffs

Note: The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is considering new permanent distributed generation tariff options in Docket No. 2019-0323. The summary below describes the interim tariff options currently available.  

Customer Grid Supply Plus

The CGS Plus Tariff is available on a first-come, first-served basis to residential and “small commercial” customers (including government entities) that generate electricity using solar, wind, biomass or hydro-electric systems until the aggregate capacity limit for the specific region/utility has been met. Third-party owned and operated systems are eligible to participate in the tariff.

Customers will receive a monthly bill credit for energy delivered to the grid based on a credit rate that varies by island. Additionally, participating systems must include equipment that allows the utility to remotely control the output of the system, and curtail it as needed to ensure grid stability. 

Smart Export

The Smart Export tariff is for renewable energy systems that are coupled with energy storage. Customers are expected to use excess generation to charge the battery system during daylight hours and to discharge the stored electricity in the evening. Electricity exported to the grid in the evening, overnight, and early morning hours will receive a bill credit based on an island-specific rate. 

Community-Based Renewable Energy

SB 1050 of 2015 allows a person or entity to own or operate an eligible community-based renewable energy project. Following a lengthy proceeding, the Public Utilities Commission approved the utilities’ tariffs in 2018. Through the program, customers will contract directly with project owners, and these subscribers will receive credit on their monthly bill based on their proportionate share of the electricity produced by the system. The exact credit rate the customer receives varies by island.