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Guide to Writing Hawaii 39A

Filling out the Hawaii 39A form is a crucial step for customers generating their own electricity and looking forward to net energy metering with the Hawaiian Electric Company. The process involves providing detailed information about the customer-generator, the generating facility, and agreeing to terms laid out by the utility company. Ensuring accuracy in filling out this form is essential for a successful agreement. Follow the steps below to complete the form accurately.

1. Start with Section 1: Applicant Information. Fill in your full name under "Customer-Generator Name." If the generating facility's location is different from your mailing address, specify both accurately. Include the city, state, and zip code for both addresses. Don’t forget to add your daytime and evening phone numbers, as well as your electric service account number.
2. In the case where the owner or operator of the generating facility is different from the customer-generator, repeat the above step in the respective sections by providing their full name, mailing address, city, state, zip code, and phone numbers.
3. Move to Section 2: Generating Facility Information. Here, you’ll need to specify the type of power conditioning equipment and energy storage system you’re using. Include details like the rated generator capacity in kW and the make/model of your generator/inverter. Don’t forget to attach the specification sheet if available and fill out the details about the generating system building permit.
4. Under the same section, indicate whether your system is self-excited with potential to island by ticking "Yes" or "No." Also, confirm if a single line diagram has been submitted by selecting "Yes" or "No."
5. In Section 3, a licensed electrical contractor must certify that your generating and interconnection systems comply with all applicable standards. The contractor must sign the form, print their name, provide their license number, mailing address, phone number, and the installation date of the system.
6. Proceed to Section 4: Installation, where you must specify the location of the manual load-break disconnect device. Indicate if it’s adjacent to the meter. If it’s located elsewhere, provide a detailed description of the location.
7. In Section 5: Notice, be aware that any material changes to the Generating Facility must be reported to the Company with a 30-day advance written notice.
8. Section 6: Permits and Licenses reminds the Customer-Generator of the responsibility to obtain all necessary authorizations for the construction and operation of the facility.
9. For Section 7: Metering, understand that the Company will supply and maintain the meters while the Customer-Generator is responsible for providing a suitable location and maintaining all necessary infrastructure for meter installation.
10. The Indemnification section (Section 8) requires careful reading as it outlines the legal responsibilities between parties in case of damages or injuries.
11. Review Sections 9 to 13 which detail conditions for service interruptions, safety protocols, additional information requirements, the term of the agreement, and specific net metering and billing arrangements.

Once you have filled out all sections of the form, review the information for accuracy before submitting it to the Hawaiian Electric Company. This will ensure a smoother processing of your net energy metering agreement.

1. What is the Hawaii 39A form?

   The Hawaii 39A form is part of the Net Energy Metering Agreement specific to Hawaii. It's used by customer-generators who plan to install and operate a generating facility with a capacity of 10 kW or less. This form encompasses details about the applicant, the generating facility, installation, certifications by licensed electrical contractors, terms regarding metering, indemnification, and termination, among others.

2. Who needs to complete the Hawaii 39A form?

   Any individual or entity in Hawaii intending to establish a generating facility with a capacity of 10 kW or less that will be connected to the electric grid for net energy metering purposes needs to complete this form. This includes residents installing solar panels, wind turbines, or other renewable energy sources on their properties.

3. What information is required on the form?

   Applicants must provide detailed information including customer-generator name, mailing address, generating facility location, contact details, electric service account number, and if applicable, owner and operator information. Additionally, detailed specifications of the generating system, certification by a licensed electrical contractor, information about the installation, and terms of agreement regarding system maintenance, metering, and billing are also part of the form.

4. Why is the generating system's capacity limited to 10 kW?

   The 10 kW limit is set to categorize small-scale renewable energy systems suitable for residential and small business applications within the net metering program. This cap helps ensure that the grid can reliably manage the distributed energy being produced and fed back by these systems.

5. What does the certification section entail?

   In the certification section, a licensed electrical contractor must affirm that the installed generating and interconnection systems comply with all applicable safety and performance standards, including those set by the National Electrical Code (NEC), IEEE standards, and relevant local and state regulations. This ensures the system's safety and reliability.

6. What is the importance of the manual load-break disconnect device mentioned in the installation section?

   The manual load-break disconnect device provides a physical means to safely disconnect the generating facility from the electric grid. This is crucial for protecting workers during maintenance or emergencies by preventing backfeeding electricity into the grid. The location of this device must be accessible and known to the utility company.

7. How does metering work under this agreement?

   The utility company will supply, own, and maintain all necessary meters for billing purposes. The customer-generator must provide a suitable location for these meters. Meter readings are used to track the net energy—i.e., the difference between the energy produced by the customer-generator and the energy consumed from the grid.

8. Can the agreement be terminated?

   Yes, the agreement operates on a month-to-month basis and can be terminated at any time by the customer-generator. Additionally, the utility company can terminate the agreement if the customer-generator fails to comply with its terms or ceases to be eligible under the net energy metering program definitions.

1. Failing to provide complete and correct Applicant Information: One common mistake is not filling out the section for Applicant Information thoroughly. This includes missteps like leaving the "Customer-Generator Name," "Mailing Address," "City/State, Zip Code," and "Electric Service Account #" fields blank or incomplete. Moreover, if the "Generating Facility Location" is different from the mailing address, this distinction is often overlooked, leading to confusion and potential delays in processing the agreement.

2. Incorrectly reporting Generating Facility Information: Another frequent error involves inaccurately detailing the power conditioning equipment, energy storage, and specifics related to solar, wind, biomass, hydro, and hybrid systems within Section 2. Filling in the "Rated generator capacity in kW" and "Generator/Inverter Make/Model" inaccurately can significantly impact the assessment and approval of the application.

3. Omitting required attachments: Applicants often neglect to attach necessary documents such as the specification sheet for the generating system, the Generating System Building Permit number, and a single line diagram if the system is self-excited with the potential to island. These documents are critical for validating the technical specifications and compliance of the generating facility.

4. Mistakes in the Certification by Licensed Electrical Contractor section: Section 3 requires the signature of a licensed electrical contractor who certifies that the installed generating system meets all applicable safety and performance standards. Failure to have this section properly filled out and signed, with the inclusion of the contractor's license number and contact information, can result in the application being denied or delayed.

5. Lack of clarity on the installation of the manual load-break disconnect device: The requirements in Section 4 concerning the installation, location, and labeling of the manual load-break disconnect device are often misunderstood or incompletely followed. Omitting details about the location or failing to ensure that the disconnect device is accessible and clearly labeled can hinder the successful implementation of the net energy metering agreement.

6. Insufficient Notice of Proposed Material Changes as outlined in Section 5: Applicants sometimes forget to notify the electric company of any significant alterations to the Generating Facility, such as a change in ownership or an increase in capacity. This advance notice is crucial to ensure compliance and continuity under the net energy metering agreement.

Attention to detail and adherence to the guidelines provided in the Hawaii 39A form are paramount. By avoiding these common mistakes, individuals can ensure a smoother application process and facilitate the successful establishment of a net energy metering agreement with the electric company.

When navigating the process of net energy metering in Hawaii, the Hawaii 39A form is a critical document. However, it's often just the start. Several other forms and documents usually accompany or follow the 39A form to ensure a smooth and comprehensive application process. Understanding each of these documents can help in meticulously planning and executing the net metering setup for your generating facility.

• Electrical Permit Application: This document is required to secure an electrical permit, confirming that your installation meets local building and electrical codes. It's a crucial step before any work begins.
• Interconnection Application: Essential for connecting any generating system to the grid, this document outlines your system's specifications and how it will interface with the electric utility’s infrastructure.
• Single-Line Diagram: A detailed electrical drawing showing the configuration of your generating system, including the interconnection with the utility grid. It's a key detail that accompanies the Hawaii 39A form.
• Certificate of Completion: This form is submitted upon the successful installation and inspection of your generating system. It verifies that the installation adheres to all relevant standards and regulations.
• Proof of Insurance: Some utilities may require you to provide evidence of insurance coverage for your generating system. This document safeguards against potential liability for both the homeowner and the utility.
• Net Metering Agreement: While the Hawaii 39A form serves as an application, the actual agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which your system will operate in connection with the grid, including rates, billing, and other essential details.

Equipping yourself with these documents not only facilitates a smoother application process but also ensures that you meet all legal, safety, and utility requirements. Whether you are installing solar panels, wind turbines, or any other form of renewable energy generation, understanding and preparing these forms in advance can vastly streamline your project's completion and integration into Hawaii's net metering program.

The Hawaii 39A form, used for Net Energy Metering Agreements for generators with capacities of 10 kW or less, shares similarities with various other energy-related forms and agreements, each tailored to different aspects of energy generation, distribution, and regulation. One such document is the Interconnection Agreement common in many states across the U.S., particularly tailored for renewable energy sources connecting to the grid.

An Interconnection Agreement specifies the technical and procedural conditions under which a renewable energy system connects to the broader electrical grid. Similar to the Hawaii 39A form, it details safety standards, engineering criteria, and operational procedures to ensure a secure and reliable connection. Both documents require information about the generating facility, including capacity, equipment make and model, and safety certifications. They ensure the generator meets local and national electrical codes and standards, such as those set by the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). These agreements protect the grid's integrity and guarantee that installations do not adversely affect the utility's ability to provide services to other customers.

Another document akin to the Hawaii 39A form is the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) utilized in arrangements where energy generated by an individual or entity is sold to a utility or another third party. PPAs outline terms for the sale of electricity between two parties, including the rate of electricity sales, performance standards, and metering. Like the Hawaii 39A, PPAs include detailed information about the generating facility, such as the type of renewable energy source, capacity in kW, and specifics about the energy storage and power conditioning equipment. However, the focus of PPAs is more on the financial and commercial aspects of electricity sale, such as pricing and term length, whereas the Hawaii 39A form emphasizes technical and operational details essential for connecting to the grid and meeting regulatory compliance.

When dealing with the Hawaii 39A form, which is essentially a Net Energy Metering Agreement designed for installations of 10 kW or less, accuracy and attention to detail are paramount. Whether you're a homeowner aiming to set up a solar power system or a small business planning to utilize wind energy, compliance with this form's requirements could significantly influence the success of your project's integration into Hawaii's electrical grid. With that in mind, here are the do's and don'ts when completing the form:

Do:

1. Double-check the applicant information. Ensure that the customer-generator name, mailing address, and other personal information are correctly filled out to prevent any processing delays.
2. Provide accurate generating facility information. Include specific details about the power conditioning equipment, energy storage, and rated capacities. Any misrepresentation could lead to legal complications or operational issues.
3. Include necessary documentation. Attach specification sheets and a single line diagram if available. These documents offer a detailed overview of your generating facility's layout and specifications.
4. Ensure compliance with codes and standards. The installation of your generating system must adhere to the NEC, IEEE, UL standards, and local rules. Certify that by having a licensed electrical contractor sign the form.
5. Correctly identify the location of the load-break disconnect device. This is crucial for safety and accessibility reasons. If the default location (adjacent to the meter) isn't feasible, provide a detailed description of the alternative location.

Don't:

1. Estimate or guess technical specifications. Providing accurate technical data ensures your generating facility is correctly assessed and hooked to the grid without causing safety or reliability issues.
2. Omit the generating system's building permit number. This is a legal requirement that ensures your facility complies with local building and safety regulations.
3. Ignore the certification section. The sign-off by a licensed electrical contractor is not merely a formality; it's a testament to the safe and standard-compliant installation of your generating system.
4. Overlook the requirement for advance notice of changes. Any significant modification to your generating facility, such as an increase in capacity or a change in ownership, requires a 30-day notice to the company.
5. Forget about permits and licenses. Acquiring necessary permits and licenses is your responsibility. Failing to do so can lead to penalties, removal of the generating system, or legal actions.

By adhering to these guidelines, you'll facilitate a smoother process for integrating your generating facility into Hawaii's renewable energy initiative. Remember, the ultimate goal is to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant installation and operation of your energy generating system.

• Misconception: The Hawaii 39A form is only for those who fully own their generating facilities. Truth: This form is applicable whether you own or operate the facility, or if ownership is different from the customer-generator. It's designed to cover a range of situations, including operator and owner scenarios different from the customer-generator's.

• Misconception: You need a separate form for different types of renewable energy sources. Truth: The Hawaii 39A form accommodates multiple types of generating sources, including solar, wind, biomass, hydro, and hybrid systems. It's a comprehensive agreement that covers the interconnection of these various energy sources with the electric grid.

• Misconception: The form is valid indefinitely once signed. Truth: The agreement operates on a month-to-month basis after execution by both the customer-generator and the company. Termination can occur if the customer-generator fails to comply with the agreement terms or no longer meets the definition of an Eligible Customer-Generator.

• Misconception: The form requires technical drawings submitted by the customer-generator for approval. Truth: While a single-line diagram must be submitted, it's the responsibility of a licensed electrical contractor to certify that the generating and interconnection systems comply with safety and performance standards, not the customer-generator.

• Misconception: Capacity upgrades or ownership changes do not require notification to the company. Truth: The customer-generator must provide the company with a 30-day advance written notice of any proposed material changes, including an increase in capacity or a change in ownership.

• Misconception: The customer-generator is responsible for all costs related to metering and billing. Truth: The company will supply, own, and maintain all necessary meters and associated equipment for billing at no expense to the customer-generator. The customer-generator must provide a suitable location for these meters and any additional infrastructure required at their expense.

• Misconception: There's no need to obtain permits or licenses for the generating facility. Truth: The customer-generator must obtain, at their expense, all authorizations, permits, and licenses required for the construction and operation of the generating facility.

• Misconception: Interconnection to the grid guarantees continuous service. Truth: The company may require the generating facility to be temporarily curtailed, interrupted, or have deliveries of energy reduced under certain conditions, such as system emergencies or maintenance.

• Misconception: The customer-generator has no indemnification responsibilities. Truth: Both parties are required to hold harmless and indemnify each other against losses and liabilities, except in the case of sole negligence or willful misconduct. This ensures a balance of liability and promotes diligence.

• Misconception: All energy produced and not consumed on-site immediately translates into a financial credit. Truth: While excess energy is credited, it's applied to future energy charges and certain adjustments. These credits are carried over within the current 12-month period, but some charges, like the Minimum Charge, Demand Charge, and other rate adjustments, may not be offset by these credits.

When filling out and using the Hawaii 39A form for net energy metering agreements, there are several key takeaways to keep in mind:

• Ensure that all applicant information is complete, including customer-generator name, mailing address, daytime and evening phone numbers, and electric service account number. If the owner or operator of the generating facility is different from the customer-generator, their details must also be included.
• The generating facility information must specify the type of power (solar, wind, biomass, hydro, or hybrid) and include the rated generator capacity, make/model of the generator/inverter, and energy storage capacity.
• A certified electrical contractor must verify that the generation and interconnection systems comply with all relevant safety and performance standards, including the National Electrical Code (NEC), IEEE standards, and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certifications, among others.
• A manual load-break disconnect device must be installed and accessible to the utility company. This safety measure ensures the generating facility can be electrically isolated from the utility's grid for maintenance or emergencies.
• Advanced notice of 30 days must be provided to the utility company for any significant changes to the generating facility, such as ownership changes or capacity increases. Remember, the capacity should not exceed 10 kW.
• The customer-generator is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits, licenses, and authorizations for the construction and operation of the generating facility.
• Metering equipment for billing purposes will be supplied, owned, and maintained by the utility company; however, the customer-generator must provide a suitable location for these installations.
• The indemnification section outlines the responsibilities of each party in the case of damages or injuries resulting from the operation of the generating facility. Each party agrees to hold the other harmless except in cases of sole negligence or willful misconduct.

Understanding these takeaways helps ensure that the net energy metering agreement process proceeds smoothly and complies with all applicable regulations and safety standards.