Bill > SB643

This bill extends Hawaii's energy-efficiency portfolio standards (EEPS), which are state-mandated targets for reducing electricity consumption, from 2030 to 2045 and increases the cumulative electricity savings goal from 4,300 to 6,000 gigawatt hours. The bill authorizes the public utilities commission to establish interim goals for electricity use reduction for the years 2030, 2035, and 2040, and allows the commission to adjust these standards to maximize cost-effective energy-efficiency programs and technologies. It introduces a new definition of "cumulative persisting electricity savings" which means the total electric energy savings from measures installed since January 1, 2009, that are still operational and providing savings. The bill also maintains the requirement for the public utilities commission to evaluate the energy-efficiency portfolio standards every five years, starting in 2013, and report findings to the legislature. Additionally, the bill clarifies that electric energy savings from renewable displacement technologies like solar water heating and sea-water air-conditioning district cooling systems can count towards meeting these standards. The underlying motivation is to continue Hawaii's progress toward reducing emissions associated with electricity generation while providing financial benefits for customers.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=643&year=2026