The state Public Utilities Commission says it authorized Hawaii Electric Light Co. to expedite selection of new renewable energy projects due to the loss Puna Geothermal Venture.
PGV, a 38-megawatt geothermal power plant, is isolated because of the Kilauea eruption in lower Puna.
HELCO currently is reviewing responses to a request for proposals it issued earlier this year for another 20 megawatts of renewable energy. A spokesman for the PUC said the response plan allows HELCO to select more than one proposal and will expedite an additional RFP for renewable energy projects on Hawaii Island that is expected later.
A PUC press release said selections for the current RFP will be done in the third quarter of 2018. The PUC also is asking other Hawaiian Electric companies in the state to expedite processing of renewable energy proposals.
PGV shut down following the start of the eruption May 3 in Leilani Estates. Some of its well pads have been covered by lava, and at least a warehouse and substation have been destroyed. It is flanked by the lava flow from fissure 8 and a line of other fissures.
When running at capacity, the plant generated about 25 percent of the island’s power, and half of its renewable energy.
HELCO is making up the loss by increasing production at other sources, including at plants that burn fossil fuel.
Other steps the PUC and HELCO are taking include expediting the connection of rooftop solar and other “distributed renewable energy projects,” and introducing demand response, which increases energy efficiency by shifting power use away from peak periods.
The PUC said in a press release that 2.5 megawatts of distributed renewable projects are ready for final processing, some of which involve battery storage.
Demand response, done with assistance from Hawaii Energy, would start with large commercial and industrial customers.
“Hawaii Electric Light and the other Hawaiian Electric companies appreciate the community’s and governor’s support in giving us the chance to process more pending renewable and energy saving projects that will help our customers and the environment in this time of need,” said HELCO President Jay Ignacio in the statement.
He couldn’t be immediately reached for comment Friday afternoon.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
