Hawaii House Bill HR101

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/24
• Refer: 3/13/24
• Report Pass: 3/22/24
• Refer: 3/22/24

Caption

Requesting The Public Utilities Commission To Order Hawaiian Electric To Continue To Deploy And Pursue Community-based Renewable Energy Projects.

Impact

The resolution highlights a critical effort to increase the availability of renewable energy sources and improve accessibility for underserved populations, including seniors and low- to moderate-income families. By encouraging community-based solar projects, HR101 aims to diminish Hawaii's reliance on fossil fuels and facilitate a gradual transition toward a more sustainable energy future. The bill stresses that such projects not only help reduce energy costs for participants but also aim to foster broader community engagement in energy independence.

Summary

House Resolution 101 (HR101), introduced in the 32nd Legislature of Hawaii in 2024, calls on the Public Utilities Commission to direct Hawaiian Electric to proceed with the deployment and pursuit of community-based renewable energy projects. Specifically, the bill addresses the current deployment phase of community solar programs that allow participating subscribers to access renewable energy without the necessity of acquiring or installing their solar systems. This initiative aims to promote sustainability and energy equity, particularly benefiting those unable to invest in traditional solar installations due to financial constraints or housing limitations.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HR101 centers on the recent recommendations from Hawaiian Electric following the October 2023 status update regarding the impact of the Maui wildfires on its Community-Based Renewable Energy Program. The utility proposed delaying the next phase of this program to allow time for assessing the lessons learned from the previous implementation phases. However, proponents of HR101 argue that after eight years of preparation, the utility should have the ability to continue with community solar deployments as planned, pushing back against any delays that may hinder progress on renewable energy initiatives.