03-13-2014, 04:20 AM
"the independent observer for the process, blamed continued delays on HELCO not conducting enough planning and “putting the cart before the horse.”..........more:
Hawaii Electric Light Co. put its effort to expand geothermal power on the Big Island on hold after its independent observer criticized the utility for lacking sufficient planning.
The island’s electricity provider, in response to a recommendation from the Boston Pacific Company, decided to wait until its Power Supply Improvement Plan is completed before continuing its process for seeking up to 50 megawatts of additional geothermal power. That plan is expected to be complete by April 21.
In a letter to the state Public Utilities Commission, Boston Pacific, which the PUC assigned as the independent observer for the process, blamed continued delays on HELCO not conducting enough planning and “putting the cart before the horse.”
“We certainly understand the importance of efficiently completing an RFP (request for proposals),” Boston Pacific wrote in the Feb. 21 letter. “However, it does not benefit ratepayers if an RFP is conducted without first knowing whether there is a need for the project being solicited.”
The company said the process lacked an integrated resource plan that identifies a need and best resource alternatives.
“We feel that the Commission (PUC) made a sound recommendation in requiring HELCO to submit a Power Supply Improvement Plan that will hopefully provide answers to the concerns raised in the Decision and Order (in the Hu Honua docket),” the letter said. “Given this, we recommend that the Geothermal RFP be put on hold until the PSIP is completed…”
- See more at: http://hawaiitribune-herald.com/news/loc...c1x4W.dpuf
Hawaii Electric Light Co. put its effort to expand geothermal power on the Big Island on hold after its independent observer criticized the utility for lacking sufficient planning.
The island’s electricity provider, in response to a recommendation from the Boston Pacific Company, decided to wait until its Power Supply Improvement Plan is completed before continuing its process for seeking up to 50 megawatts of additional geothermal power. That plan is expected to be complete by April 21.
In a letter to the state Public Utilities Commission, Boston Pacific, which the PUC assigned as the independent observer for the process, blamed continued delays on HELCO not conducting enough planning and “putting the cart before the horse.”
“We certainly understand the importance of efficiently completing an RFP (request for proposals),” Boston Pacific wrote in the Feb. 21 letter. “However, it does not benefit ratepayers if an RFP is conducted without first knowing whether there is a need for the project being solicited.”
The company said the process lacked an integrated resource plan that identifies a need and best resource alternatives.
“We feel that the Commission (PUC) made a sound recommendation in requiring HELCO to submit a Power Supply Improvement Plan that will hopefully provide answers to the concerns raised in the Decision and Order (in the Hu Honua docket),” the letter said. “Given this, we recommend that the Geothermal RFP be put on hold until the PSIP is completed…”
- See more at: http://hawaiitribune-herald.com/news/loc...c1x4W.dpuf