Hawaiian Electric Co. is asking Oahu customers with rooftop photovoltaic systems connected to the grid without prior approval from the utility to disconnect their systems.

Customers are required to get approval from the utility before connecting their rooftop solar systems to the grid.

There are more than 1,000 unapproved systems connected to the grid, according to Leslie Cole-Brooks, executive director of the Hawaii Solar Energy Association. HECO said it wasn’t able to supply its own estimate of unapproved systems.

HECO is citing safety and reliability issues for the request. The electric grid was designed to send electricity one way from utility generators to customers, the utility said.

"We have a responsibility to ensure safe, reliable service for all our customers, which is why we’re asking for those with unauthorized PV systems to work with us," said Jim Alberts, Hawaiian Electric senior vice president for customer service.

The utility said it will begin mailing notices to customers believed to have unapproved rooftop PV systems, asking them to disconnect, and requesting that those residents to submit an application for interconnection review.

"It is unfair for these people to be connected when others are waiting their turn," HECO spokesman Peter Rosegg said.

HECO will shut off the system and lock it if unapproved PV systems are not disconnected. Regular electric service will continue for those customers with locked-out PV systems.

The Hawaii Solar Energy Association and individual solar contractors have been asking the utility to look into unapproved PV systems connected to the grid.

"We have been asking the utility for some time to take action to do what they need to do to stop the rogue systems," said Cole-Brooks, Hawaii Solar Energy Association’s executive director. "It’s been frustrating for companies who are following the rules." 

Chris DeBone, owner of Hawaii Energy Connection, said while his company waits for approval to connect its customers, others are jumping in.

"There is a growing number of companies that have taken advantage of this and … that puts a consumer at risk," DeBone said. "The loan isn’t going to stop, the contract isn’t going to stop but (the consumer) is not going to get the deal on the energy."

HECO said the utility can detect unapproved connections through field checks as well as notable changes in customers’ monthly bills.

"We can look at people’s bills, and if somebody is paying $200 a month and drops to $17 a month for several months, that is an indication," Rosegg said.

The utility said it is going to conduct an additional field check before sending out notices.