Selling Power to the Utility
North Kohala Energy Storage RFP
Hawaiian Electric is aiming to improve the reliability and resilience of electric service for customers in the North Kohala area, particularly when the 3300 line is not in service. The Company engaged with North Kohala stakeholders by holding community meetings and participating in several community events. As a result of the feedback and input provided by community members, the Company was able to develop a microgrid project with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Hawaiian Electric is conducting this North Kohala Energy Storage RFP for the purpose of procuring the BESS.
Further details describing the North Kohala Energy Storage RFP can be found below:
RFP Process
North Kohala Energy Storage RFP - Docket Closed
March 12, 2024
On March 6, 2024, the Commission issued Order 40645 terminating the North Kohala BESS RFP and closing the Docket. The Commission ordered the Independent Observer to file a report in the subject proceeding within 45 days of the Order.
For information and continued updates about the project, please visit the North Kohala Microgrid website.
North Kohala Energy Storage RFP Update
September 7, 2023
On August 29, 2023, Hawaiian Electric, in consultation with the Independent Observer, closed the North Kohala Energy Storage RFP without an award in the Final Award Group. Following a comprehensive evaluation process, Hawaiian Electric determined that the proposals did not meet the criteria set forth in the RFP.
Hawaiian Electric is determining the appropriate next steps and will provide updates by email and on this page.
For more information about the project, please visit the North Kohala Microgrid website.
Additional Information – Akoni Pule Site
May 5, 2023
The Company has cancelled the Akoni Pule Site Visit for potential Proposers scheduled for May 9, due to lack of interest.
Potential Proposers may request additional information regarding the site, including:
- Aerial footage and photos of the Site [available May 22, 2023]
- Phase I Environmental Site Assessment [currently available]
- Cultural Impact Assessment [date available TBD]
Materials will be made available upon request and execution of the Mutual Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement, available as Appendix E of the North Kohala RFP.
Akoni Pule Site Visit
April 25, 2023 (Updated May 4, 2023)
Update: RSVPs must be received by COB Friday, May 5, 2023.
Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. (“the Company”) is seeking proposals for a standalone Battery Energy Storage System (“BESS”) for the North Kohala area on the island of Hawaii, to be sited at a Company Controlled Site consisting of 1.207 acres located along Akoni Pule Highway in Hawi Village, North Kohala (a portion of TMK (3)5-5-002: 023). The Company is offering potential Proposers a site visit to be held on Tuesday, May 9 at 10am.
Please note that this site is approximately 1 hour driving from Kona International Airport and approximately 2 hours driving from Hilo International Airport. Please plan accordingly and be on time.
Attendees will be required to sign a waiver and hold harmless agreement. Company representatives will take attendance and conduct a safety briefing at the site.
The site is currently a vacant field with potential obstacles on the ground (vegetation etc). As such, attendees are required to wear long pants, sleeved shirts, and covered shoes. Participants should be prepared to be exposed to the sun for approximately 1 hour and must be able to walk over uneven terrain.
All attendees will be accompanied by a guide who will be available to answer questions about the site. All questions and answers will be logged and made available at a later date on the Company’s website for this request for proposals.
RSVPs are required for this event. Those planning to attend must provide the names, phone numbers, and email addresses for all participants. Contact information will be used to provide further instructions and should there be any last-minute changes to the site visit. Attendee information should be sent to email to renewableacquisition@hawaiianelectric.com. Please note that attendance at the site visit is not mandatory to participate in the RFP.
System Impact Study Consultants
March 31, 2023
Hawaiian Electric offers a list of study consultants that have successfully performed modelling for interconnection studies during prior Hawaiian Electric procurements. The study consultants may have different terms and conditions for engagement and the services they provide. Hawaiian Electric does not offer preferences or recommendations for these study consultants. Proposers are solely responsible for determining the suitability of services offered by a study consultant.
Enerzinx
Anupam Gopal
1-267-303-6696
Anupam.gopal@enerzinx.com
https://enerzinx.com/
Green Power Technologies
Salvador Rodriguez
srodriguez@greenpower.es
Power Engineers
Jason Marenda, P.E.
208-788-0305
jason.marenda@powereng.com
https://www.powereng.com/
North Kohala Energy Storage RFP Accepting Bids
March 24, 2023
The North Kohala Energy Storage RFP is now open. Please see the final RFP documents by clicking on the RFP DOCUMENTS button above.
The North Kohala Energy Storage RFP Electronic Procurement Platform (Sourcing Intelligence) is also open and accepting bids through May 31, 2023.
As outlined in Section 1.1 of the RFP Appendix B, after registering on Sourcing Intelligence as a Supplier, Proposers shall request access to the North Kohala Energy Storage RFP event via email (“EMAIL US” button above or at renewableacquisition@hawaiianelectric.com). The request must include the company name and username under which the Proposer has registered. The Proposer will then be added to the event. The North Kohala Energy Storage RFP is event 140384. To create an account for the Electronic Procurement Platform, please refer to Appendix D of the North Kohala Energy Storage RFP and visit the Electronic Procurement Platform Signup Page.
Proposed Final Version available for North Kohala Energy Storage RFP
March 1, 2022
In accordance with Order 38855, on February 28, 2023 the Companies filed their North Kohala Energy Storage RFP.
Please see the proposed final RFP documents by clicking on the RFP DOCUMENTS button above. The February 28, 2023 filing is also offered here (Book 1, Book 2).
For more information about this project, please visit the North Kohala Microgrid website.
2nd Draft North Kohala Energy Storage RFP
January 17, 2023
Pursuant to Order 38699 and as described in the Companies’ letter filed with the Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”) on December 30, 2022, a revised draft North Kohala Energy Storage RFP was filed with the PUC on January 13, 2023.
Please see the “RFP Documents” button above for all documents filed.
For more information about this project, please visit the North Kohala Microgrid website.
Opening the Docket
January 26, 2022
On January 26, 2022, the Commission issued Order No.38195 to open Docket No. 2022-0012 for the North Kohala Microgrid RFP proceeding. Order No. 38195 allows interested stakeholders to file comments on how Hawaiian Electric proposes to successfully execute the competitive bidding process, by February 25, 2022.
Draft North Kohala Energy Storage RFP
November 1, 2021
The Draft North Kohala Energy Storage RFP was filed with the PUC on October 29,2021. In addition to filing, Hawaiian Electric requested the PUC to open a docket and provide guidance on soliciting and hiring an Independent Observer.
Draft North Kohala Energy Storage RFP Filing:
- Transmittal Letter (PDF)
- Exhibit 1 – Description of Development of the proposed Draft North Kohala Energy Storage RFP
- Exhibit 2 – Proposed Timeline for the RFP (PDF)
- Exhibit 3 – Competitive Bidding Code of Conduct (PDF)
- Exhibit 4 – Proposed Draft North Kohala Energy Storage RFP (PDF)
- Exhibit 5 – Draft Model ESSA (PDF)
Schedule Update and Q&A Posting
October 25, 2021
The Alternative Schedule, as introduced in the September 30, 2021 Technical Status Conference, has been adopted and will be the active schedule moving forward (subject to further decision by the PUC).
Questions stemming from the Draft RFP and the above-noted Technical Status Conference have been received.
The Q&As can be accessed via the North Kohala Energy Storage RFP Q&A button at the top of the page (available soon).
Technical Status Conference
October 4, 2021
On September 30, 2021, Hawaiian Electric held a Technical Status Conference on the DRAFT North Kohala Energy Storage RFP that was released on September 27, 2021. A recording of the conference and the presentation slides can be found via the respective links. Please send questions or comments on the DRAFT RFP to renewableacquisition@hawaiianelectric.com by October 7, 2021.
North Kohala Energy Storage RFP
September 27, 2021
Per the North Kohala Energy Storage RFP Meeting held on September 2, 2021, Hawaiian Electric is providing a DRAFT North Kohala Energy Storage RFP Package for review. This package contains the following DRAFT North Kohala Energy Storage RFP documents:
- RFP Body (DOC)
- Appendix F – Description of the Site (DOC)
- Appendix F, Attachment 1 – Site Map (PDF)
- Appendix H – Interconnection Facilities and Cost Information (DOC)
- Appendix H, Attachment 1 – Single Line Diagram (PDF)
- Appendix H, Attachment 2 – Single Line Diagram Notes (DOC)
- Appendix L - Energy Storage Services Agreement (DOC)
Hawaiian Electric asks for feedback and comments on the DRAFT North Kohala Energy Storage RFP to be sent to renewableacquisition@hawaiianelectric.com by October 7, 2021. Please note that the documents provided in the package are drafts only. Hawaiian Electric reserves the right to change or modify the documents.
Hawaiian Electric will be holding a Technical Status Conference on the DRAFT North Kohala Energy Storage RFP on September 30, 2021 from 2:00-4:00pm HST. Please email renewableacquisition@hawaiianelectric.com requesting an invitation if you would like to attend.
North Kohala RFP
September 9, 2021
On September 2, 2021, Hawaiian Electric held a meeting on the North Kohala microgrid project, with a focus on its energy storage component. The purpose of this meeting was to brief stakeholders on the North Kohala microgrid effort and to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to comment on information and data that will be used for the North Kohala microgrid and the development of an energy storage component RFP. A recording of the meeting and the presentation slides can be viewed by clicking the respective links. Please send any questions or comments to renewableacquisition@hawaiianelectric.com by October 7, 2021.
