Hawaiian Electric Cos. is partnering with the University of Hawaii to develop "green tariff" projects to boost renewable generation, strengthen grid capacity and save energy costs for the university.
The Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. subsidiary and the university signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding to develop a model tariff, eligibility requirements, cost structure and other details. The initiative will allow renewable energy produced outside university properties to serve different campus locations.
The joint university-utility working group will focus on developing utility-scale projects that would offset energy use at the Manoa campus. The group will also determine possible sites for the projects as well as available technologies, including combined solar-photovoltaic systems with energy storage.
The projects will be selected through bidding, and if they are capable of providing renewable electricity at lower rates, the new green tariff would be offered to other similar institutions in the future, subject to the approval of the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission.
The University of Hawaii aims to become net-zero across all campuses by the start of 2035, while Hawaiian Electric Cos. targets a 100% renewable portfolio standard by the end of 2045.
Hawaiian Electric Cos. comprises Hawaiian Electric Co. Inc., Maui Electric Co. Ltd. and Hawaii Electric Light Co. Inc.
