Fast Demand Response

Fast Demand Response (DR) is a program designed to help stabilize the electric grid and prevent unplanned outages when electricity demand exceeds available generation capacity. Eligible commercial and industrial customers on Oahu and Maui participate by reducing their electricity consumption during high-demand periods or grid emergencies. In return, they receive financial incentives.

As Hawaiian Electric integrates more renewable energy resources, Fast DR provides a critical tool to balance electricity demand until additional generating units can be brought online. By rapidly adjusting electricity usage, participants help support a more resilient and sustainable energy grid.

While Fast DR requires some automation, customers retain full control over their participation and can opt out of events at any time. Hawaiian Electric provides technology to facilitate demand response, ensuring minimal disruption to operations while maximizing grid reliability.

Fast DR Brochure

For more information, please email us at energyscout@hawaiianelectric.com. We will respond to you within two business days.

Fast Demand Response Basics

Typical load reducing measures:

• Turn off or adjust non-essential equipment
• Reduce HVAC usage
• Modify thermostat settings
• Shut off water fountains, heaters, or pumps
• Shut off excess elevators or escalators (as permitted)
• Note: Transferring load to emergency generators is prohibited on Oahu but allowed on Maui.

Benefits

Positive Impact on Community

• As a large energy user, you can support grid stability and contribute to the local community.
• Helps Hawaii and Hawaiian Electric integrate renewable energy resources and achieve the state’s clean energy goals.

Free Evaluation and Enablement

• A free, no-obligation evaluation will assess your facility's demand response opportunities.
• Facility and Building Management System upgrades may be available to enable participation in DR events.

Reduced Electric Bills

• The Fast DR program is a performance-based incentive program, where bill credits are directly tied to the amount of demand reduced during events.
• Participants who shed at least 50 kW of load can earn $6,000 annually in bill credits.

How Your Company Can Qualify for Fast DR

Any commercial or industrial customer that can commit to reducing at least 50 kilowatts (kW) of demand is eligible for the Fast DR program. Final enrollment is based on a Technical Audit, which evaluates your facility's energy profile and recommends a DR plan.

Hawaiian Electric will collaborate with each customer to develop a customized curtailment plan that maximizes load shed and incentives while minimizing operational impact. Additionally, Hawaiian Electric covers the cost of enabling technology to help automate curtailments, making energy savings easier and more efficient.

Steps to Fast DR

• Schedule an Assessment – Set up a Preliminary Assessment and/or Technical Audit with Hawaiian Electric.
• Participate in the Audit – Help evaluate your facility's energy profile and capabilities.
• Review and Decide – Review the audit findings, create a demand response strategy, and determine if the program benefits meet your needs.
• Sign the Agreement – Execute the Fast DR customer contract with Hawaiian Electric.
• Install and Test Equipment – Arrange for installation, enablement, testing, and commissioning of load reduction technology.
• Start Earning Incentives – Receive monthly bill credits for participating in DR events.

Fast Demand Response Documents

• Fast DR Customer Contract (PDF)
• Fast DR Program Rules (PDF)
• Fast DR Program Definitions (PDF)