Bill > HR43

This Resolution requests the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Hawaii's regulatory body for utilities, to actively address the significant financial strain that high energy costs place on low- and moderate-income households, a problem exacerbated by Hawaii's high electricity rates and the increasing need for air conditioning due to climate change. The PUC is specifically asked to consider various measures to alleviate this "energy burden," which refers to the percentage of household income spent on energy bills, and to integrate "energy equity and justice"—ensuring fair distribution of energy benefits and burdens—into its operations. This includes investigating options like income-based rate discounts, bill credits, direct payments, expanded bill assistance programs, and protections against service disconnections for vulnerable customers. Furthermore, the PUC is to examine how to structure energy projects and programs to benefit communities that host them, considering their unique challenges, and to report its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature by early 2023. The Consumer Advocate, an entity representing consumer interests, is to provide input throughout this process.