Hawaii Senate Bill SCR38

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/22
• Refer: 3/11/22
• Report Pass: 4/5/22
• Engrossed: 4/6/22
• Refer: 4/7/22

Caption

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.

Impact

The issues addressed in SCR38 reflect a broader legislative intention to safeguard economically disadvantaged groups from the financial strain imposed by necessary public services. The investigation requested from the Public Utilities Commission aims to identify potential funding sources and policy adjustments that could ameliorate the challenges faced by these vulnerable customer segments. By targeting the disparities in utility service costs and income levels, this resolution seeks to foster a more equitable utility landscape in Hawaii.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 38 (SCR38) requests the Public Utilities Commission to investigate measures aimed at benefiting vulnerable customers, particularly low-income individuals and retired senior citizens. The resolution highlights the financial difficulties faced by these groups, who often live on limited or fixed incomes and struggle with rising public utility costs, including electricity, water, and telecommunications. The intent is to uncover strategies that would assist these individuals without passing the burden onto other ratepayers, thereby maintaining a balance in utility pricing and accessibility.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR38 appears to be positive, particularly among advocacy groups concerned with consumer rights and equitable access to essential services. Legislative discussions indicate a shared recognition of the hardships endured by low-income and retired individuals due to escalating utility costs. However, while the sentiment leans towards supporting vulnerable customers, there is an acknowledgment of the complexities involved in implementing solutions that do not negatively impact other ratepayers.

Contention

A notable point of contention relates to how the resolution proposes to address the financial challenges faced by low-income and retired customers without shifting costs disproportionately onto others. Critics may raise concerns about the feasibility of such measures and the implications for the broader utility pricing structure. Stakeholders may differ on what constitutes an appropriate solution, weighing the need for customer assistance against concerns of cost redistribution among different customer groups.