Amanda Ho, Author at Hawai‘i State Energy Office

STATE ENERGY OFFICE TAPS GREENBIZ GROUP TO BRING CUTTING EDGE VERGE SERIES TO HAWAII

August 13, 2015

For Immediate Release: August 13, 2015

HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Energy Office has selected California-based GreenBiz Group to bring its annual VERGE event series to Hawaii. Long regarded as ground-zero for next-generation energy issues, the island state will serve as host in 2016 and 2017 as the best minds in energy identify and advance next-generation practices for sustainable energy solutions in Hawaii and beyond.

“VERGE Hawaii gives Hawaii a unique opportunity to leverage its role as an energy innovation leader and international test bed,” said Luis Salaveria, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. “We are excited about the opportunity to bring together some of the brightest minds in the clean energy and sustainability movements.”

The recent passage of three ambitious energy bills have made Hawaii the first state to adopt a 100 percent renewable energy portfolio standard and have cemented it at the forefront of global renewable energy efforts. Offering a real-world glimpse into our future as a more resilient world, the VERGE Hawaii: Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit, June 21-23 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu, will gather influencers from the world’s largest corporations, as well as entrepreneurs, utility executives, public officials and representatives of nonprofits and academia.

“Hawaii represents the transformational change we’d all like to see and be a part of. With a well-defined goal of accelerating renewable energy to 100 percent, Hawaii is the perfect place for bringing together innovators, policymakers and market leaders for next-generation climate solutions,” said Eric Faurot, CEO of GreenBiz Group. “We see VERGE Hawaii playing an instrumental role in providing the platform for ideating and sharing best practices that others can replicate.”

Mark Glick, Hawaii State Energy Office Administrator, said bringing VERGE to Hawaii highlights the state’s emergence as a global clean energy leader. “”Hawaii has been able to attract international investment from governments and corporations that see the state as a bellwether for clean energy, and a place where the next generations of energy solutions will be born.”

VERGE takes the premise of sharing insights, promoting collaborative learning, and inspiring higher rates of renewable energy and energy efficiency. With a focus on practical, scalable solutions, VERGE Hawaii program tracks will include: Grid 2.0, Next- Gen Buildings, Circular Economy, Connected Transportation, Intelligent Supply Chains, Food & Ag Tech, and Sustainable Water Systems. The conference also will provide an opportunity to showcase Hawaii’s rich portfolio of renewable resources, clean-energy projects, sustainable development and investment opportunities.

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The Hawaii State Energy Office is leading the state’s charge toward clean energy independence. The State Energy Office is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawaii’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, the State Energy Office has positioned Hawaii as a leading proving ground for clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth. The State Energy Office is a division of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. For more information, visit www.energy.hawaii.gov.

For more information, contact:

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

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BUSINESSES, EVENTS RECEIVE HAWAII GREEN BUSINESS AWARDS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY EFFORTS

July 17, 2015

For Immediate Release: July 17, 2015

HONOLULU — Businesses and event organizers across Hawaii have taken their commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle to a new level. From replacing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles with glass bottles to building bee colonies for honey to rewarding employees for carpooling, local enterprises are finding innovative ways to keep their utility costs down and preserve natural resources all while helping the state meet its clean energy goals.

Twenty-four of these renewable energy and efficiency stewards were honored today by the state for their outstanding clean energy efforts at the 2015 Hawaii Green Business Awards. The awards were presented by Gov. David Y. Ige and hosted by the Hawaii State Energy Office of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), Department of Health and The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. The annual awards program recognizes achievements by Hawaii businesses and entities in the area of energy efficiency.

“Today’s honorees have gone beyond environmental compliance. They’ve taken bold and creative steps to incorporate green practices into multiples aspects of their business operations and events. Collectively, they’re helping move Hawaii to the forefront of renewable energy efforts,” said Gov. Ige.

Luis Salaveria, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, praised the awardees for their commitment to sustainability.

“Not only are they operating in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, they are reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels, which helps with our economic and energy security,” Salaveria said.

Recognizing the state’s commitment to conservation and sustainable development, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Council selected Hawai’i as the venue for the 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress – the world’s largest conservation event. This will be the first time the World Conservation Congress will be held in the United States. A number of this year’s Hawai’i Green Business awardees will host some of the8,000-10,000 delegates who will be in Honolulu next September for the conference.

The Hawai’i Green Business Program (HGBP) assists and recognizes businesses that strive to operate in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. When launched in 2002, the HGBP initially focused on Resorts & Hotels due to the large number of visitors in Hawaii, and the potential for significant resource reduction through conservation.

The program, with Green Interns funded in part by the federal Environmental Protection Agency Pacific Southwest Region IX, has expanded over the years and now includes four categories: Resorts & Hotels, Offices & Retail, Restaurant & Food Service Facilities, and Green Events. This year’s awards features a new category: Grocery Stores.

Businesses that have been recognized for their green practices can be viewed in an interactive map on the Hawaii State Energy Office’s Green Business Program website: https://energy.hawaii.gov/green-business-program.

The honorees of the 2015 Hawaii Green Business Awards are:

Hyatt Regency Waikiki
Kahala Resort and Spa
Turtle Bay Resort and Spa
Volcano House
Bills Sydney
Lanikai Juice
the nook neighborhood bistro
Whole Foods Market, Kahala Mall
Hawai’i Pacific University
Sustainable Island Products
Honeywell Energy Solutions
Kapolei Fire Station
KUPU/RISE
Patagonia, Honolulu
East-West Center

The Hawaii Green Business Awards also honored nine green events held in 2015:

Green Hotel Forum by Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
Concert on the Lawn by East-West Center
Sustainability Council Retreat by Kamehameha Schools
The Chaos of SustAINAbility by HISCI
Annual Sustainability Higher Education Summit – University of Hawaii
E-Drive Charrette by DBEDT
Pop-Up Pupus by Hawaii Theatre
Sustainability Unconference by Important Media
TEDx Paradigm Shift by TEDxHonolulu

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The Hawaii State Energy Office is leading the state’s charge toward clean energy independence. With a goal to meet and exceed Hawaii’s 70 percent clean energy targets by 2030, the State Energy Office is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawaii’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, the State Energy Office has positioned Hawaii as a leading proving ground for clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth. The State Energy Office is a division of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. For more information, visit www.energy.hawaii.gov.

For more information, contact:
MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

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SOLAR PLANE ARRIVES IN HAWAII, SYMBOLIZES STATE’S COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION AND CLEAN ENERGY

July 3, 2015

For Immediate Release: July 3, 2015

HONOLULU — Powered only by the sun’s rays, the Solar Impulse 2 airplane brought its messages of innovation and clean energy to Hawaii as it neared the halfway point of its around-the-world flight without using fossil fuel.

The Swiss-made aircraft landed safely at Kalaeloa Airport Friday, completing a five-day trans-Pacific crossing from Japan, the longest leg of the historic flight. Solar Impulse 2 incorporates a host of innovative solutions into its design that make it lighter and allow it to consume far less energy than a traditional airplane.

“It is fitting that Solar Impulse 2 made its first U.S. stop in Hawaii, which is becoming one of the world’s leading test beds for clean energy development,” said Mark Glick, Hawaii State Energy Office administrator. “We understand the value of the research and development that went into Solar Impulse 2 as we work to attract investment and create a clean energy sector that we believe has tremendous economic potential for Hawaii”

Solar Impulse 2 began its epic journey on March 9, 2015, departing from Abu Dhabi, where it will return. Over the course of its journey Solar Impulse 2 will fly for 500 hours, travel 19,000 nautical miles and cross two oceans and four continents. The highly efficient solar panels and lightweight lithium batteries developed specifically for the Solar Impulse 2 are examples of technological advances that can have a direct impact on efforts to reduce fossil fuel use in the electricity sector.

“Solar Impulse 2 utilizes pieces of technology that are a significant part of Hawaii’s energy portfolio,” Glick said. “The solar cells that cover the wings of the Solar Impulse 2 are a familiar sight here in Hawaii, which leads the nation in installed PV capacity per person.”

The Solar Impulse project is supported by several global technology companies, including ABB Inc., a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility, industry and transport companies to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in roughly 100 countries and employs about 140,000 people worldwide.

“ABB is pleased to join our technology and innovation partner, Solar Impulse, on this historic ‘around the world’ journey and extremely pleased to cross the Pacific Ocean and bring our message of building a better world to the United States,” said Greg Scheu, president, Americas region, ABB. “We’d like to say a special thank you to Hawaii, a state bursting with natural beauty and resources, for being an excellent example of why ABB’s focus on efficient and sustainable technologies is so important. We can power world the world without consuming the earth.”

The Solar Impulse 2 aircraft, a larger version of a single-seat prototype that first flew five years ago, has a wingspan of about 235 feet, larger than that of the Boeing 747. Built into the wings are 17,248 ultra-efficient solar cells that transfer solar energy to four electrical motors that power the plane’s propellers. The solar cells also recharge four lithium batteries that power the plane at night.

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For more information, contact:

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

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GEMS PROGRAM BEGINS ACCEPTING CLEAN ENERGY LOAN APPLICATIONS FROM CONSUMERS

June 30, 2015

For Immediate Release: June 30, 2015

HONOLULU — The Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, an attached agency of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, announced today that it has begun accepting loan applications from consumers seeking to finance solar photovoltaic systems under the state’s Green Energy Market Securitization (GEMS) program.

The GEMS Residential Financing Product is aimed at consumers who want to install PV systems, but cannot afford the high upfront costs or do not qualify for traditional financing. The loan program is designed to enable more consumers to realize energy cost savings and participate in Hawaii’s clean energy transformation.

The Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority is working with Energy Finance Solutions (EFS), a division of WECC. EFS is a loan originator with more than 30 years of experience arranging financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Loan servicing will be provided by Concord Servicing, which handles more than 650,000 servicing accounts totaling $3 billion.

GEMS provides consumers the opportunity to save money on their electric bills from Day 1 of PV system installation, with no money down. Twenty-year fixed-rate loans are available for the purchase of a PV system installed at a single-family residence within the service areas of the Hawaiian Electric Companies.

The Residential Financing Program is the second financing product offered by GEMS. In March, GEMS began offering clean energy loans to nonprofit organizations.

GEMS may approve additional consumer financing options in the future, such as loans for other equipment that support PV interconnection, financing for prepaid leases and power purchase agreements, and the financing of loans with on-bill repayment options.

To apply for a GEMS loan, visit: gems.hawaii.gov

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For more information, contact:

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

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HAWAII IS FEATURED IN CLINTON GLOBAL INITIATIVE

June 10, 2015

For Immediate Release: June 10, 2015

HONOLULU — The State of Hawaii’s dual announcement of a fulfilled and new Commitment to Action took center stage at the opening of the Clinton Global Initiative’s 2015 CGI America in Denver. Hawaii achieved its 2013 commitment to double the value of performance contracts for energy efficient buildings by 2015, and pledged to create a statewide curriculum and training program to prepare the next generation of skilled workers for Hawaii’s emerging clean energy sector. Hosted by President Bill Clinton, CGI America focuses on identifying solutions that promote economic growth in the United States.

Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Director Luis Salaveria appeared on stage Tuesday to announce the launch of the Hawaii Statewide Modern Grid-Workforce Training Deployment. The initiative, led by the Hawaii State Energy Office, is a collaboration with four departments of the University of Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric Co. and the Blue Planet Foundation. The project will train smart grid and clean energy technicians, electrical engineers and managers, including graduate masters- and doctoral-level instruction and research.

“This effort will prepare Hawaii’s workforce to deploy advanced metering infrastructure by 2020 and to achieve our goal of achieving a 100 percent renewable portfolio standard in the state’s electricity sector by 2045,” Salaveria said. “This kind of innovative program not only serves to facilitate Hawaii’s clean energy transformation, it helps expand and diversify our state’s economy. It’s an honor to have our commitment featured by CGI America.”

Mark Glick, administrator of the Hawaii State Energy Office, has been a facilitator of CGI America’s Renewable Energy Working Group at CGI America for the past two years and sees the Commitment to Action process at CGI America as a way to forge alliances, share best practices and drive action on Hawaii’s ambitious clean energy agenda.

“For Hawaii to take full advantage of our efforts to transform our economy through clean energy, we need to broaden our coalition of energy stakeholders to build capacity in a workforce skilled in the tools of the new energy economy,” Glick said. “That is why we are so gratified to have the College of Engineering, the College of Social Sciences, Honolulu Community College, Hawaiian Electric Co., the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute and Blue Planet Foundation as partners in this endeavor.”

For example, the smart grid deployment alone will require an estimated 75 contractors and consultants on a full-time basis as Hawaiian Electric Company’s advanced metering infrastructure is rolled out over an estimated 2 ½ to 3 years. Following installation, it is anticipated that about 30 new highly skilled engineering positions will support the smart grid program from within the utility.

The initiative will receive financial support from the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute and the State of Hawaii. Outreach and recruitment will be provided by the Blue Planet Foundation.

In his progress report on the state’s 2013 commitment to reduce electricity use through energy savings performance contracting in state and county buildings, Salaveria noted that the state has invested $168 million in two energy saving projects, bringing the cumulative investment to $315 million since 1996. The investment has resulted in more than 10 million tons of avoided greenhouse gas emissions, and an estimated $830 million in energy cost savings for the state.

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About CGI America
The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), an initiative of the Clinton Foundation convenes global leaders to create and implement innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. Established in June 2011 by President Bill Clinton, the Clinton Global Initiative America (CGI America) addresses economic recovery in the United States. CGI America brings together leaders in business, government, and civil society to generate and implement commitments to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, foster innovation, and support workforce development in the United States. To learn more, visit cgiamerica.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

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GEMS PROGRAM UP AND RUNNING, BEGINS ACCEPTING CLEAN ENERGY LOAN APPLICATIONS FROM NONPROFITS

March 24, 2015

For Immediate Release: March 24, 2015

HONOLULU — Nonprofit organizations that have had difficulty obtaining loans for solar PV systems can now apply for a loan under the state’s Green Energy Market Securitization (GEMS) program. The Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, an attached agency of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, announced today that it has begun accepting loan applications from nonprofits, which can use the GEMS program to save money on their electric bills from Day 1 with no money down.

Nonprofits will be able to use GEMS financing to prepay a power purchase agreement (PPA) for a PV system that will fix their electricity costs for 20 years at a significant discount to current utility rates. Due to their tax-exempt status, nonprofits are not able to take advantage of state and federal tax credits used to lower the cost of PV systems. Under a prepaid PPA a third party owns the PV system installed on the nonprofit’s roof, claims the tax credits, and passes benefits along to the nonprofit in the form of lower electric rates.

“It is hoped that the unique financing structure of GEMS will give financial leverage to nonprofit organizations, allow them to reduce energy costs and put their savings toward their missions, as well as assist the state in meeting its clean energy goals,” said Lisa Maruyama, president and CEO of the Hawaii Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations.

The Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority is working with Clean Power Finance, Panasonic Eco Solutions and Coronal Group LLC to provide the PPAs for the nonprofits. The companies will work with Hawaii installers to originate the solar energy projects. An allocation of $65 million of GEMS loan funds, combined with tax equity capital, will result in more than $100 million in total financing for the nonprofit sector. Nonprofits interested in a GEMS loan may apply directly with Pacific Rim Bank. PRB is a community bank with years of experience in lending to Hawaii’s nonprofit community.

“We are pleased to partner with DBEDT in the GEMS program, helping hospitals, private and charter schools, health clinics, community associations, care homes, affordable housing projects, as well as religious entities to take advantage of energy saving technology,” said Austin Imamura, Pacific Rim Bank CEO. “It is our anticipation that the cost savings derived from the GEMS program will enhance benefits to the communities they serve.”

GEMS employs an innovative financing structure to channel low-cost capital from the bond market to make clean energy more affordable and accessible in Hawaii. Capitalized with $150 million, GEMS initially will focus on investments by nonprofits – and soon residential utility customer — in solar photovoltaic systems and other technologies that support PV interconnection.

“It has become clear that meeting Hawaii’s clean energy goals – which are the most ambitious in the nation – will require significant investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Hawaii’s new GEMS program takes a major step in that direction by bringing an innovative approach to financing clean energy infrastructure that has the potential to serve as a national model,” said Luis Salaveria, DBEDT director.

For more information about GEMS go to https://gems.hawaii.gov/

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For more information, contact:

MEDIA CONTACT:

Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

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DBEDT RECOGNIZED FOR INNOVATIVE GREEN ENERGY MARKET SECURITIZATION PROGRAM

December 17, 2014

For Immediate Release: December 17, 2014

HONOLULU — The State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism has garnered a top financial industry award for its successful effort to raise $150 million in the bond market to support the new Green Energy Market Securitization (GEMS) program. The International Financing Review awarded the GEMS transaction its “North American Structured Finance Issue” of the year, calling it an “innovation solution that is now expected to be replicated elsewhere.”

The IFR award is the second industry honor for the GEMS program in three months. The Council of Development and Finance Agencies in October bestowed its Excellence in Energy Finance Award on GEMS, which will provide low-cost capital to finance solar photovoltaic systems and other clean energy improvements for Hawaii consumers who have had difficulty obtaining financing for such projects.

“It is an honor to be recognized for our effort to develop an innovative financing structure that will bring clean energy to underserved groups of consumers so they too can lower their electric bills,” said Gov. David Ige. “GEMS will help Hawaii achieve its ambitious clean energy goals without adding a penny to the state budget. The program is a prime example of how public-private partnerships can be used to achieve long-term, sustainable financing solutions for clean energy,” Ige said.

“This a financing model has potential reach beyond Hawaii. It’s a scalable solution that may be replicated in some form by states and the federal government,” said Richard Lim, interim executive director of the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the entity that administers GEMS. Lim led the effort to create the GEMS program while serving as DBEDT director.

Lim noted that the structure of the bonds resulted in an AAA rating, which allowed DBEDT to obtain a competitive yield when the bonds were sold in November. That in turn lowers the cost of capital for the program, which will result in lower borrowing costs for participants when the program is launched early next year.

Mark Glick, State Energy Office administrator, said the IFR and CDFA awards are a testament to DBEDT’s creative approach in advancing the state’s clean energy agenda.

“Developing high-impact financing solutions like GEMS will go a long way toward helping us achieve our clean energy goals,” Glick said. “By driving down the cost of financing we can really open up the market and save a lot of money for everyone while reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and helping the environment.”

GEMS will expand access to clean energy for historically underserved groups such as nonprofits, renters and homeowners who can’t afford the upfront installation costs. The GEMS program initially will focus on investments in solar photovoltaic systems and other technologies that support PV interconnection, such as energy storage, advanced inverters and monitoring devices. Other proposed clean energy projects will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis through a process being established by the program.

The U.K.-based International Financing Review is a leading provider of global capital markets information. The Council of Development Finance Agencies is a national association dedicated to the advancement of development finance concerns and interests.

For a list of frequently asked questions about the GEMS program visit: https://energy.hawaii.gov/testbeds-initiatives/gems/gems-faqs.

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For more information, contact:

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

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DBEDT ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF BOND ISSUE TO SUPPORT GREEN ENERGY MARKET SECURITIZATION PROGRAM

October 29, 2014

For Immediate Release: October 29, 2014

HONOLULU — The Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Wednesday announced the details of an upcoming offering of approximately $150 million of bonds to support the department’s Green Energy Market Securitization program.

DBEDT intends to use proceeds from the bond sale to fund a loan program that would expand the installation of solar photovoltaic panels and other clean energy devices for Hawaii consumers.

The GEMS program initially will focus on investments in PV systems and other technologies that support PV interconnection, such as energy storage, advanced inverters and monitoring devices. Other proposed clean energy projects will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis through a process being established by the program.

The state plans to price the $150 million of bonds early the week of Nov. 3. Local investors will be able to place orders during a special retail order period. The bonds will be issued in minimum denominations of $5,000 and multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. Interest on the bonds is exempt from state taxes, but is included in gross income for federal income tax purposes.

The state has designated the bonds as “green bonds” based on the intended use of the proceeds for the financing of environmentally beneficial projects.

Hawaii is the first state in the nation to use this type of financing structure to help consumers pay for clean energy installations. A Green Infrastructure Fee, which was approved by the PUC, will be used to secure the bonds to ensure they achieve the highest possible credit rating. The fee will be offset by a reduction in the Public Benefits Fee that is currently on electric bills.

A preliminary offering statement describing details of the bond offering is available on the Department of Budget and Finance website: https://investorrelations.hawaii.gov/dbedt/ . The bonds will be offered by an underwriting syndicate led by Goldman, Sachs and Co. First Southwest Company acted as Financial Advisor to the department for this transaction.

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For more information, contact:

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

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DBEDT APPLAUDS PUC’S APPROVAL OF GREEN ENERGY MARKET SECURITIZATION PROGRAM

October 1, 2014

For Immediate Release: October 1, 2014

HONOLULU — The Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism welcomed the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission’s approval of DBEDT’s innovative Green Energy Market Securitization (GEMS) program, which will provide low-cost capital to finance solar photovoltaic systems and other clean energy improvements for Hawaii consumers who have had difficulty obtaining financing for such projects. GEMS will advance Hawaii’s clean energy goals by expanding access to clean energy for historically underserved groups such as nonprofits, renters and homeowners who can’t afford the upfront installation costs.

The PUC Tuesday approved a program order providing parameters for how the funds will be deployed to help Hawaii consumers. The order follows the PUC’s earlier approval of a GEMS financing order that cleared the way for the state to issue $150 million in bonds to support the program. DBEDT plans to issue the bonds by November and make the first clean energy loans by the end of the year. Hawaii is the first state in the nation to use this type of financing structure to help consumers pay for clean energy installations.

The GEMS program initially will focus on investments in solar photovoltaic systems and other technologies that support PV interconnection, such as energy storage, advanced inverters and monitoring devices.

Other proposed clean energy projects will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis through a process being established by the program.

“GEMS levels the playing field for ratepayers by broadening the benefits of clean energy to folks who were previously unable to get financing for PV and other improvements,” said Gov. Abercrombie, who proposed the program in his 2013 State of the State Address and signed it into law a year later. “GEMS will provide underserved consumers with clean energy financing that will result in electricity bill savings on day one, with no money down.”

“The GEMS program uses a market-driven approach to reduce costs for financing clean energy installations by minimizing overhead expenses and taking advantage of economies of scale,” said Richard Lim DBEDT director. “GEMS, which is designed to be self-sustaining, will compliment Hawaii’s portfolio of clean energy support programs and help the state reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuel.”

Mark Glick, State Energy Office administrator, noted that while the PV market in Hawaii has expanded rapidly in recent years the benefits of solar energy remain out of reach for many residents. “The GEMS program provides a clear opportunity to fill that market gap,” Glick said. “GEMS funds can be used alone or in combination with private capital to provide financing to these consumers through our deployment partners, such as solar financiers, local financial institutions and national energy lenders.”

PV industry leaders also applauded the PUC’s ruling. “We are very pleased to see the program move forward to make funds available for PV installations and other grid-enabling technology,” said Leslie Cole-Brooks, executive director of the Hawaii Solar Energy Association. “The strength of the program is that it provides financing for those consumers who have traditionally been underserved. Given the backlog of utility customers waiting to hook up their PV systems it’s encouraging to see the development of a resource that could be used to mitigate grid saturation issues.”

A Green Infrastructure Fee, which was previously approved by the PUC, will be used to secure the bonds to ensure they achieve the highest possible credit rating. The fee will be offset by a reduction in the Public Benefits Fee that is currently on electric bills, resulting in little or no impact to the vast majority of ratepayers.

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For more information, contact:

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

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HAWAII AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVE

September 15, 2014

For Immediate Release: September 15, 2014

HONOLULU — The State of Hawaii and the U.S. Department of Energy have agreed to continued cooperation as Hawaii embarks on the next phase of its clean energy future.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz today signed a Memorandum of Understanding, reaffirming their commitment to the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, a long-term partnership to increase energy efficiencies and maximize the use the use of Hawaii’s abundant renewable energy resources.

“We remain focused on reducing the state’s dependence on imported oil while also creating high-wage jobs and economic opportunities for the people of Hawaii,” Abercrombie said. “Together with the federal government, we are creating a new framework that will take our state to the next level in its clean energy transformation.”

Moniz announced his signing of the MOU during a pre-recorded address to the opening session of the Asia Pacific Resilience Innovation Summit & Expo being held at the Hawaii Convention Center.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates that by setting ambitious clean energy goals, the United States can support local industries while also moving towards a low carbon future,” Moniz said. “These types of collaborative efforts are an important component of the President’s Climate Action Plan, which will help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening the clean energy economy in Hawaii and nationwide,” he said.

“Renewing the commitment to Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative is an important step at this point in our energy transition plan.” said Richard Lim, director of the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. “In light of our success so far*, we want to position Hawaii as a test bed for clean energy solutions.”

The MOU calls for the U.S. DOE to provide technical assistance and other resources to the state. The state’s commitments under the MOU include developing the technical, workforce and academic tools necessary to realize the purpose of the agreement.

Mark Glick, Hawaii State Energy Office Administrator, said updating the MOU will allow policymakers to take a fresh look at parts of the HCEI that need to be strengthened.

“To really push the envelope we’re going to have to take a hard look at reducing petroleum use in the transportation sector, which is two-thirds of Hawaii’s energy mix,” he said. “This includes the use of alternative fuels in ground and marine transportation, including natural gas and hydrogen.”

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*Hawaii reached an important milestone last year, generating 18% of its electricity from renewable resources. That puts the state ahead of its interim 2015 target of 15%, and provides a jumpstart on reaching the 2020 goal of 25%. Combined with a 15.7 % reduction in energy use through conservation and efficiency, the state is nearly halfway toward it 2030 goal of 70 percent clean energy.

For more information, contact:

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]