Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR44

Introduced
3/5/24  
Refer
3/8/24  
Introduced
3/5/24  

Caption

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

Impact

The resolution advocates for community solar projects, which would allow people who cannot install solar panels on their rooftops to subscribe or own a share of energy produced by offsite solar arrays. Such arrangements would facilitate access to solar power for more residents and businesses, potentially lowering their electric bills and enhancing resilience during power outages. The wider implementation of community solar projects is expected to contribute positively to both economic savings for consumers and sustainability goals for the state.

Summary

House Resolution 44 (HR44) encourages the State of Hawaii, the Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaiian Electric Company to prioritize community solar projects in future solar energy developments. The bill recognizes the role of solar power as a crucial aspect of clean energy, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. However, it highlights that approximately fifty percent of households and businesses are unable to install solar arrays on their properties, thereby restricting access to solar energy benefits for a significant portion of the population.

Contention

While the bill promotes community solar initiatives, it may still face challenges regarding implementation and acceptance among stakeholders. Potential points of contention could include regulatory hurdles, financing mechanisms for such projects, and the balancing of interests between private solar developers and public utility operations. However, the resolution implies a supportive framework for addressing such issues and underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among various entities in advancing renewable energy initiatives.

Companion Bills

HI HCR61

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

Previously Filed As

HI HCR61

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

HI HR101

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

HI HCR120

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

HI SCR161

Requesting The Public Utilities Commission To Respond To Hawaiian Electric's Request To Suspend, Deprioritize, And Delay The Commencement Of Community-based Renewable Energy Projects Through Phase 2, Tranche 2 Of The Community-based Renewable Energy Program And Order Hawaiian Electric To Continue To Deploy And Pursue Community-based Renewable Energy Projects Based Upon The Public Utilities Commission's Findings.

HI SR135

Requesting The Public Utilities Commission To Respond To Hawaiian Electric's Request To Suspend, Deprioritize, And Delay The Commencement Of Community-based Renewable Energy Projects Through Phase 2, Tranche 2 Of The Community-based Renewable Energy Program And Order Hawaiian Electric To Continue To Deploy And Pursue Community-based Renewable Energy Projects Based Upon The Public Utilities Commission's Findings.

HI SCR58

Urging The Public Utilities Commission, Hawaii State Energy Office, And The Counties To Allow Solar Farms To Elevate Solar Panels To Create Housing Units Beneath Them To Help Address The Homeless Crisis.

HI SR52

Urging The Public Utilities Commission, Hawaii State Energy Office, And The Counties To Allow Solar Farms To Elevate Solar Panels To Create Housing Units Beneath Them To Help Address The Homeless Crisis.

HI HB05232

An Act Concerning Solar Projects Throughout The State.

HI A5783

Removes project capacity limit for community solar energy projects.

HI SB92

Relating to community solar projects.

Similar Bills

CA SB726

Hazardous waste: public agencies: materials exchange program.

CA AB998

Household hazardous waste: vape pens.

CA SB552

Hazardous waste: household hazardous waste: door-to-door collection programs: residential pickup services.

CA AB2460

Department of Consumer Affairs: Bureau of Household Goods and Services: household movers.

CA AB224

Department of Consumer Affairs: Bureau of Household Goods and Services: household movers.

CA AB2481

Household hazardous waste: facilities: transportation and acceptance.