Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR60

Introduced
3/9/22  

Caption

Requesting Public Utilities To Provide A Fifty Percent Rate Discount To Retired Senior Citizens.

Impact

If enacted, HCR60 would likely influence the operations of public utilities that have a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Public Utilities Commission. While the resolution requests these utilities to offer a significant discount to qualifying seniors, it also places a responsibility on the Commission to assess the current situation and ensure that the proposed measure is effectively implemented. This could lead to changes in how utilities operate and possibly require them to adjust their pricing structures to accommodate the discount.

Summary

HCR60 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii requesting public utilities to provide a fifty percent rate discount to retired senior citizens. The resolution acknowledges the financial strain faced by many retired individuals living on fixed incomes, given the steadily increasing costs of essential public utilities such as electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications. The intent of the bill is to alleviate some of the financial burden on these senior citizens, allowing them to maintain a reasonable quality of life amidst rising living expenses.

Contention

There may be varying perspectives on the proposed discount in HCR60. Proponents argue that providing such a discount is a necessary intervention that addresses the challenges faced by retired citizens, ensuring their basic needs are met during their retirement years. However, critics may raise concerns about the financial implications for public utility companies and whether such discounts can be sustained without affecting the services provided to other customers. Furthermore, the resolution calls for a report from the Public Utilities Commission on the effectiveness of the discount, which may lead to further discussions on its viability.

Companion Bills

HI SCR38

Same As Requesting The Public Utilities Commission To Investigate Measures To Benefit Vulnerable Customers, Such As Low-income And Retired Customers, And Identify Funding Sources To Support Social Policy Objectives That Would Prevent The Shifting Of Costs To Other Ratepayers.

HI HR54

Same As Requesting Public Utilities To Provide A Fifty Percent Rate Discount To Retired Senior Citizens.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.