Smart Renewable Energy programs simplified for customers

By Jacky Leung | Jan. 3, 2025

Over the years, when the idea of adding rooftop solar came up at our house, it seemed the list of available programs Hawaiian Electric was always growing. Now, it’s a much more streamlined process for anyone trying to wrap their head around what’s right for them.

The Smart Renewable Energy (also known as Smart DER) and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs Hawaiian Electric launched earlier this year in April are much simpler. Smart DER, which can be split into export and our non-export options, allows customers to install a rooftop solar system or other renewable technologies and either send the energy generated by the system to the electric grid for bill credits (export), or generate energy for self-use only (non-export). The BYOD program on the other hand allows customers to receive incentives for installing a battery storage system and agreeing to dispatch or send energy from the battery back to the grid during a set two-hour period every day for at least three years.

New customers who wish to sign up for one of these programs can apply using the Customer Interconnection Tool (CIT). We’ve worked hard to update CIT for the launch of these new programs, including:

• New application selection screen, making it easier for customers to understand and choose between the different programs
• Updated step-by-step application process that’s tailored to your application type
• Cosmetic user interface changes that also allow the tool to be much more customer friendly

Working through the updates to the CIT tool for the new programs gave me some insights into how Smart DER works. Here are some things to keep in mind when signing up:

• All customers who wish to participate in these new programs must have an advanced meter.
• Customers who complete their application process before Jan. 31, 2025 will be auto-enrolled into Shift and Save, with the option to opt out at any time. After January 31, the Shift and Save pilot will be closed and won’t accept any new customers.
• If a contractor fills out the application for you, make sure that the contractor also adds you (via your email address) in the application. You’ll be able to login to CIT after creating an account and view the application status yourself so that you know where you are in the process.

For customers that are already on an existing renewable energy program, there are a few options for you, depending on the program you’re currently on.

• Net Energy Metering (NEM) or Net Energy Metering Plus (NEM Plus) — These new programs do not impact you and there are no changes to your existing program.
• Customer Self Supply (CSS) or Standard Interconnection Agreement (SIA) — You have the option to transition to Smart DER non-export but are not required to do so. Similarly, Battery Bonus customers have the option to transition to BYOD but are also not required to do so.
• Customer Grid-Supply (CGS), Customer Grid-Supply Plus (CGS Plus), and Smart Export — You will be required to transition to the Smart DER Export program. This transition is automatic and will take place after seven years on your current program. For some customers that have been on their existing programs for a long time, this transition might have already occurred for you or is soon approaching.

If you’re on an existing program where transitioning is not required but you wish to transition, or you want to transition to a new program earlier than your required transition date, please fill out our transition form. If you’re making changes to your system (like adding additional solar panels or a battery) while transitioning, you’ll need to also complete an AMEND application in CIT.

Whether or not you already have a rooftop solar or battery system, I recommend learning about our new simplified programs. Now may be the time for you to go green and save money in the long run.

Jacky Leung is a digital communications analyst at Hawaiian Electric.