Innovation Pilot Framework (IPF)

In 2018, the State of Hawaii established a net-zero or less emissions clean economy target to be met as soon as possible and no later than 2045. We support and will play a role in achieving this objective while maintaining electric system reliability, security, and affordability. Decarbonization represents a broad, cross-cutting area that will require multiple sectors to assess new solutions in order to achieve state-wide carbon reduction targets. Piloting in this area can help assess various technical and business model options or applications related to economy-wide decarbonization, including the electric sector.

This AOC focuses on increasing customer engagement and options for expanding utilization of customer resources to provide grid services. Customer resources continue to be an important component of our portfolio to meet or exceed the State's renewable energy and decarbonization goals. It is anticipated that utility customers will continue to want options to manage their bills and participate in utility programs using their generation, storage, and loads. As such, we envision the need to continually innovate in this area to meet customer expectations through piloting efforts.

Beneficial electrification aims to replace direct fossil fuel use with electricity in a way that reduces overall emissions and energy costs. These strategies, which are applicable to commercial and residential customers, benefit the end-user and the environment. This category includes Electrification of Transportation ( EOT ) initiatives and can include broader electrification of industry initiatives. Beneficial Electrification also supports the Decarbonization AOC.

Data acquisition and analytics, and the safe sharing of this data, is a cross-cutting area of need that will impact a multitude of projects, programs, and pilots. Decision-making and continuous improvement efforts will continue to be highly dependent on the use and analysis of various data streams. Improved data collection and analytics will foster better planning, solution identification, product and services design, more informed decision making, and better stakeholder collaboration. This area also involves balancing privacy, cybersecurity compliance, regulatory requirements, cost, data monetization, and commercial concerns, among others.

Technology can transform existing processes with new capabilities that bring new insights, improved customer service, improved efficiency and enable new business services. In addition, addressing the escalating cybersecurity threat environment requires continuous innovation and collaboration with key stakeholders. Pilots are needed in this area to test innovative solutions that support the merging of operational and information technologies, telecommunications, digitization of utility operations, applicability of machine learning and artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity capabilities.

A reliable, resilient electric system is essential for our customers and communities. A modernized grid must withstand and/or quickly recover from natural disasters, sudden changes in energy supply, as well as adapt to climate change.

Equity, Access, Affordability, and Sustainability pilots are options to ensure that everyone benefits from the clean energy transformation and no one is left behind because of where they live or their economic status. Special considerations will be given to projects for LMI customers across the State. Piloting in this area is needed to further understand pathways and programs that can directly support LMI communities. Sustainability pilots can be more focused on enabling local supply chains.