Bill > SB243

This bill extends Hawaii's energy-efficiency portfolio standards (EEPS) from 2030 to 2045, increasing the statewide cumulative persisting electricity savings goal from 4,300 to 6,000 gigawatt hours. The bill authorizes the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to establish additional interim goals for electricity use reduction in 2030, 2035, and 2040, and allows the commission to adjust standards to maximize cost-effective energy efficiency programs. The legislation defines "cumulative persisting electricity savings" as the total electric energy savings from measures installed since January 1, 2009, that are still operational. The bill also maintains the PUC's existing authority to create incentives and penalties based on performance and requires the commission to evaluate the energy-efficiency standards every five years, reporting findings to the legislature. Additionally, the bill makes minor technical amendments to clarify language around energy efficiency measures, including how renewable displacement technologies like solar water heating can be counted toward the standards. The underlying motivation is to continue Hawaii's commitment to reducing electricity consumption and supporting the state's broader renewable energy and decarbonization goals.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=243&year=2025