Hawaiian Electric Co. said it is in negotiations with three companies that will provide up to 200 megawatts of energy storage for Oahu. The utility plans to file the energy storage agreements with the state Public Utilities Commission for review by early 2015 and have systems installed in 2017.

Energy storage can address sudden changes in renewable energy when output drops due to weather changes or other causes.

"Each finalist is an internationally recognized company with over a decade of energy storage experience including working with electric utilities," said Colton Ching, Hawaiian Electric vice president for energy delivery, said. "All three are proposing battery storage. We hope to sign contracts with all three that offer the best value for Oahu electric customers."