Hawaii House Bill HCR61

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/24
• Refer: 3/8/24

Caption

Encouraging The State, Public Utilities Commission, And Hawaiian Electric Company To Make All Future Solar Projects In The State Community Solar Projects.

Impact

By positioning community solar projects at the forefront, HCR61 addresses a critical barrier faced by about fifty percent of Hawaii's households and businesses concerning solar energy. The resolution supports a model where subscribers or owners can partake in offsite solar arrays, receiving credits on their electric bills based on their share of the generated energy. This approach is believed to not only provide financial relief through reduced electric bills but also enhance energy resilience for participants during extreme weather events or power outages.

Summary

HCR61 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii encouraging the State, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaiian Electric Company to prioritize community solar projects in all future solar energy developments. The resolution recognizes the significant potential of solar energy as a clean resource that contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combatting climate change. By advocating for community solar projects, the bill aims to expand access to solar energy for households and businesses that are unable to install solar arrays on their rooftops, potentially benefiting a large segment of the population.

Contention

While it appears there was broad support for the principles outlined in HCR61, discussions may arise regarding the logistics and implementation of community solar projects. Stakeholders might raise points around the equitable distribution of these projects, the regulatory frameworks necessary for their success, and the potential involvement of private entities versus public utilities. Further, debates could occur around the state’s responsibility in ensuring fair access and the financial implications of transitioning fully to community solar models.