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Form#: B-52 <br /> 7/18/91 <br /> DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE <br /> REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION <br /> DEPARTMENT: Research and Development DATE: 2/08/2024 <br /> STAFF CONTACT: Riley Saito PHONE: 808-323-4704 <br /> A. REQUEST: <br /> Resolution authorizing R & D to enter into a one-year agreement with Arizona State University <br /> (ASU) with the option of extending the agreement for four years. ASU will enable the County to <br /> effectively perform its intervention of PUC Dockets related to HECO's Integrated Grid Plan, <br /> Electrification of Transportation, Performance-Based Regulation, Competitive Bidding, Microgrid, as <br /> well any consumer rate case that may be introduced before the PUC. <br /> Cost: $125,000 <br /> B. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION (USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS AS NEEDED): <br /> Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 46-7, the County may enter into agreements with "any public <br /> body" with the consent of Council. R & D is requesting that Council approve a resolution authorizing <br /> R & D to enter into an agreement with ASU, a public body, to intervene in several PUC dockets <br /> about grid planning, electrification of transportation, regulation of the utility based on performance, <br /> see attached for more information. <br /> The County has saved roughly $50 to $70 million by intervening in current and prior PUC dockets. <br /> As a current intervenor in the docket mentioned above the County intends to work closely with ASU <br /> as they have years of experience in utility design and regulatory policy, analysis of new business <br /> models and new paradigms and modeling optimal engineering and economic solutions with a focus. <br /> on consumers and communities. Given ASU's expertise and experience in this arena, R & D seeks <br /> authorization from the council to contract with ASU for support and advisement in its intended <br /> docket interventions. Specifically, ASU will help to identify issues of concern from the proposed grid <br /> modernization strategy, identify policy issues and recommendations, review dockets, provide <br /> arguments to help in other related dockets, and help the County identify and articulate arguments <br /> for its intervention. ASU would provide this support both electronically, in person, and by attending <br /> the PUC hearings. <br /> SIGNED: DATE: 02/15/2024 <br /> D rtment ead <br />