Bill > HB790

This bill establishes a comprehensive renewable energy strategy for Hawaii, targeting the installation of 50,000 new customer-sited distributed energy resources (DERs) by December 31, 2030, with a focus on solar and energy storage systems. The legislation directs the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to create grid service programs that provide fair compensation to customers who export energy to the electric grid, recognizing the critical role of rooftop solar and energy storage in achieving the state's goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045. The bill requires new tariffs that allow energy aggregators to participate in grid service programs, automatically enroll customers, receive dispatch signals, and get paid directly for grid services. Specifically, the legislation mandates that exported energy from solar-plus-storage systems be credited at a rate that encourages DER deployment and that compensation values reflect the system's resiliency, capacity, and ancillary service benefits. This approach aims to support Hawaii's energy independence, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, enhance grid reliability, and provide customers with more control over their energy production and consumption, while addressing challenges like aging infrastructure and climate-related risks.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=790&year=2026