Bill > SB133

This bill authorizes state facilities in Hawaii to "wheel" electricity, which means transmitting renewable energy generated at one state facility to other state facilities using existing transmission lines owned by a third-party electric utility. The bill requires the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to establish rules and procedures for wheeling by December 31, 2025, and grants the PUC the authority to evaluate and potentially disallow wheeling projects that could be detrimental to grid safety, reliability, or other utility customers. The legislation is motivated by Hawaii's goal to achieve a 100% renewable energy portfolio by 2045 and addresses the state's continued heavy dependence on imported petroleum for electricity generation. The PUC must submit a report to the legislature before the 2027 legislative session, detailing its findings and recommendations about the wheeling process. The bill also makes minor modifications to the definition of "public utility" in existing law to accommodate this new renewable energy transmission approach. The legislation aims to encourage clean electricity production and provide state facilities with more flexibility in managing and sharing renewable energy resources.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=133&year=2026