Bill > SB191

This bill establishes the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program (HHEAP) within the Department of Human Services to help low-income households manage high electricity costs. The legislation responds to Hawaii's electricity rates being nearly three times the national average and the fact that 44% of households struggle financially. To qualify for the program, applicants must be Hawaii residents with an active energy utility account and meet income eligibility standards. The Public Utilities Commission's Public Benefits Fee Administrator will be required to provide additional support by offering information about energy efficiency programs, conducting energy audits when requested, and helping recipients implement energy efficiency improvements. The bill acknowledges that the existing federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) serves fewer than 9,000 households in Hawaii, which is approximately 2% of potentially eligible residents, and that Hawaii receives the lowest federal LIHEAP funding of any state. The legislation aims to address energy affordability by creating a state-level assistance program, appropriating funds for implementation, and expanding the role of the Public Benefits Fee Administrator in supporting low-income energy consumers. The program will be funded through state general revenues and is designed to help residents manage their home energy needs more effectively.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=191&year=2025