Bill > SB589

This bill aims to accelerate Hawaii's transition to renewable energy by establishing comprehensive policies to support distributed energy resources (DERs) like rooftop solar and energy storage systems. The bill requires the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to set an installation goal for customer-sited DERs by 2030 and establish tariffs that provide fair compensation for grid services, microgrids, and community-based renewable energy. Key provisions include mandating tariffs that allow energy aggregators to participate in grid service programs, ensuring exported solar energy is credited at rates that encourage DER deployment, and establishing compensation values that recognize the resilience, capacity, and ancillary service value provided by these systems. The bill also clarifies that microgrid operators will not be considered public utilities and authorizes "wheeling" (transmission of renewable electric power through utility meters for different account holders), with projects limited to between 100 kilowatts and 2 megawatts. These measures are designed to support Hawaii's goal of achieving a 100% renewable portfolio standard by 2045, enhance grid stability, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, and improve energy resilience, particularly in light of recent challenges like grid reliability emergencies and climate-related extreme weather events.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=589&year=2025