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What is a Formal Complaint?

Posted on Sep 12, 2023 in

If upon completion of the Informal Complaint process you believe a regulated utility has violated a regulation, rule, or law, you may wish to file a Formal Complaint. Your pleading must be filed in accordance with the Formal Complaint filing procedures set forth in Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) listed below. Your filing will be subject ...
Read More What is a Formal Complaint?

Where can I find more information?

Posted on Jul 29, 2023 in

The Commission’s Advanced Rate Design page and Hawaiian Electric’s website offer resources for understanding the TOU Study.

Will KIUC customers have a similar pilot?

Posted on Jul 29, 2023 in

No, this program is for Hawaiian Electric’s customers.

The Commission intends for TOU rates to be available as the default rate option for all customers in the future. The manner in which TOU rates will become the default will be determined following the TOU Study.

Have TOU rates worked in other states?

Posted on Jul 29, 2023 in

Yes, nearly all utilities offer some form of dynamic pricing such as TOU rates, and several studies have shown that TOU rates enable customers to achieve meaningful bill reductions, including LMI customers.

The Commission approved bill protection for six months to allow customers the opportunity to get comfortable with the rates and learn how to implement energy-shifting and energy-saving measures. However, it is also important that the rates properly incentivize customers to shift energy usage. While bill protection may cease after the first six months, Hawaiian Electric ...
Read More Why is bill protection only for the first six months of the
study period?

Why is the study period one year?

Posted on Jul 29, 2023 in

The TOU Study period is limited to one year so that Hawaiian Electric can learn about the customer experience and identify opportunities to improve the rates and support offered for customers, prior to broader rollout to all residential and commercial Hawaiian Electric customers.

Hawaiian Electric had an interim TOU program that was closed prior to the launch of this TOU Study. All customers on that program will migrate to an alternative rate schedule.

What if I cannot shift my energy usage?

Posted on Jul 29, 2023 in

Customers may always opt out of the TOU Study if it is not the right program for them. Please see Hawaiian Electric’s website for more information.

There are several simple ways to take advantage of this new rate design, which Hawaiian Electric is communicating to customers selected for enrollment. Customers may pursue energy efficiency measures (e.g., install efficient appliances and lightbulbs), shift energy usage away from the evening peak period (e.g., set timers for water heaters, laundry, and other appliances), schedule ...
Read More How can I best take advantage of TOU rates?