Providing grid services with customer-owned DERs in Hawaii
OATI DERMS enables Hawaiian Electric to provide grid services using customer-owned distributed energy resources (DERs), including hybrid solar PV and battery energy storage systems, building management systems, water heaters, water pumps, and more.
Hawaiian Electric selected OATI as the sole supplier for the first Grid Services Purchase Agreement (GSPA). In 2025, the contract was expanded. Five University of Hawaii Community College campuses were added to the GSPA program, contributing an additional 2.5 MWs of capacity reduction and fast frequency response on Oahu, expanding the total to 10 MWs.
The GSPA program is a model for power system operations. Hawaiian Electric, OATI, and end-use customers are linked to deliver fast frequency response, scheduled load-shifting through capacity build, and capacity reduction grid services to Hawaiian Electric. OATI and its Energy Alliance members work cooperatively with Hawaiian Electric to engage and support program participants who receive participation incentives.
OATI’s solution is applicable to all North American markets as it includes Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) from aggregators, suppliers, and wholesale operations. Aggregators working with OATI can provide wholesale grid services, enhance grid operations, and increase revenues to the owner of the renewable asset.
Request the case study to learn more about the program.