2024 Smart DER Export Tariff

You may have received an email from HECO about moving into the Smart Renewal Energy Export Program also known as Smart DER Export from your Customer Grid Supply (CGS), Customer Grid Supply Plus (CGS+) or Smart Export (SE) tariff. We understand that changes like these may raise questions and concerns. We are here to provide you with all the necessary information and support throughout this transition.

If you are a current NEM/NEM+ Customer you are not required to do anything.

Overview of the Smart DER Export Tariff

Export Credit Rate Comparison:

• • The CGS+ tariff export credit is currently set at $0.1008/kWh. Exported energy credits may be used at any point during your 12-month PV system metering cycle to offset the cost of energy purchased from the utility. This is also known as “annual reconciliation”

• • The CGS tariff export credit is currently set at $0.1507/kWh. Exported energy credits must be used to offset the cost of energy purchased within the month the exported energy was produced. Unused credits will expire at the end of every month.

• • The Smart Export tariff export credit is currently set at $0.1497/kWh. Energy exported between 4 pm and 9 am daily ONLY is eliglbe to receive energy credits. These exported energy credit may be used at any point during your 12-month PV system metering cycle. This is also known as “annual reconciliation”.

• • With Smart DER Export, the export credit changes to $0.135/kWh. Exported energy credits may be used at any point during your 12-month PV system metering cycle to offset the cost of energy purchased from the utility. This is also known as “annual reconciliation”.

What the Smart DER Tariff Means For You

CGS+ – Under Smart DER, you’ll receive a higher credit for the excess energy your system exports to the grid. These exported credits may be used throughout the year, just like your CGS+ credits.

CGS – Under Smart DER, you will receive a lower credit for exported energy. However, credits may be used throughout the year under Smart DER and will not expire at the end of each month the way they do under CGS. If you have excess credits that are currently not being used at the end of certain months and purchasing surplus energy at retail in other months, you may be better off with the lower export rate with annual reconciliation.

Smart Export – Under Smart DER, you will receive a lower credit for exported energy. However, credits are generated for energy exported throughout the day, and not just between 4 pm and 9 am. If you find your batteries are filling up well before 4 pm and the system is producing in excess of houseload during that time, you may be better off receiving credits throughout the day at the lower rate. Both tariffs include annual reconciliation.

You can stay in your current tariff until your agreement is up, which is 7 years from the beginning of your agreement. If you are a CGS, Smart Export or CGS+ customer you will have to transition to Smart DER at your 7 year anniversary.

Shift and Save Time-of-Use:

• • The Smart DER Tariff introduces a “shift and save” time-of-use rate schedule.

• • During peak hours (5 pm – 9 pm), if your batteries are supplying your energy needs, you can benefit from lower overnight rates compared to the current retail rate. This could potentially lead to cost savings on your energy bills.

• • It’s important to note that enrollment in the “shift and save” program is optional.

• • You can choose to participate solely in the Smart Renewal Energy Export Program, which governs the export rate, without necessarily enrolling in the “shift and save” program.

If you would like to transition early, here are the instructions:

Visit: https://pages.hawaiianelectric.com/smart-transition

If your CGS/ SE /CGS+ agreement is expiring you have a 6 mo. grace period from the end of your agreement to fill out this form: https://pages.hawaiianelectric.com/smart-transition

Ultimately, the decision to transition to Smart DER Export, including enrollment in the “shift and save” program, is yours to make based on your individual energy needs, preferences and time remaining in your agreement.

Should you require further clarification or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at 808.748.8888 or calling your Project Developer directly. We are here to assist you every step of the way and address any questions or concerns you may have.