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PUC says time to close long-running DER investigation, plans focused proceedings and research on VPPs
Summary
The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission told parties in a status conference that it intends to close Docket 2019-0323 and open narrower proceedings and a research project (including on virtual power plants) to address emerging distributed energy resource issues and comply with recent state directives.
The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission on a status conference said it will close the long-running Distributed Energy Resources (DER) investigation filed as Docket 2019-0323 and transition to smaller, more focused proceedings to address emerging DER policy issues.
Commissioner Colin Yost said the objective of the conference was to “elaborate on the commission’s ongoing investigation into DER policy in Hawaii, which includes our intent to close the current docket,” and to describe how the commission will continue to address DER matters going forward.
The commission concluded that the objectives that led to opening the 2019 investigation have “been largely accomplished” and that new, more complex issues now require a fresh record, Commissioner Kawae said. The PUC plans to open separate proceedings to comply with Act 266 (also referenced as SB 589) and to implement policy aligned with the commission’s 2024 inclinations and Governor’s Executive Order 25-01, the commissioners said.
As part of the transition, the commission has initiated a research project intended to inform next steps, including a potential new proceeding to investigate virtual power plants (VPPs) and other dispatchable DER programs. The PUC disclosed in a letter filed before the conference that interviews with some docket parties had already been conducted.
Until new proceedings are opened, the commission said it will continue to monitor and, when needed, modify existing DER programs under processes established in prior orders, or address urgent matters on an ad hoc basis. The PUC instructed parties that they may file nondocketed requests for urgent relief; the commission will review those requests and determine whether to treat them as separate matters, reopen limited portions of the old docket, or consolidate them with other proceedings.
Commissioners emphasized that the order formally closing the 2019 investigation will include detailed instructions on how parties may submit stipulations, joint proposals, or nondocketed requests for expedited review.
The status conference closed with the commission reiterating its intention to move from a broad investigatory docket to targeted proceedings focused on implementing policy and programs in line with state law and executive direction.
