Frequently Asked Questions

An IRS determines if the customer's Distributed Energy Resource can be interconnected, and, if so, what additional equipment, protective devices, and/or control systems need to be installed.

In continuing to proactively address technical issues associated with the interconnection of the ever-increasing number of Distributed Energy Resource systems, all applications for interconnection to Hawaiian Electric's grid must go through a technical screening process.

One possible outcome of this screening is that an IRS may be needed. If an IRS is required, the applicant will be notified and must decide if they will pay for the IRS or withdraw their application. If the applicant agrees to pay for the IRS, they will be required to execute a signed IRS Letter Agreement to initiate the IRS process, and submit payment to Hawaiian Electric. Factors that affect the cost of the IRS include system size, cost share availability, type of technology, the number of feeders involved, and the complexity of the feeder(s).

From submittal of the IRS proposal and payment, per the Rule 14H tariff, an IRS may take 150 days or more to complete. Upon completion of the IRS, and the determination of applicant interconnection costs, the applicant will have the option of agreeing to proceed with the interconnection work or to withdraw their application.

The costs of an IRS and any resulting equipment requirements are the responsibility of the customer.