Bill > HB785

This bill extends Hawaii's energy-efficiency portfolio standards (EEPS), which are statewide goals for reducing electricity consumption, from the previous target of 4,300 gigawatt hours by 2030 to 6,000 cumulative persisting electricity savings by 2045. The bill authorizes the public utilities commission to establish new interim goals for electricity use reduction in 2030, 2035, and 2040, and allows the commission to adjust these standards to maximize cost-effective energy-efficiency programs. The term "cumulative persisting electricity savings" is defined as the total electric energy savings from measures installed since January 1, 2009, that are still operational and providing savings. The bill also maintains the commission's existing five-year review process to evaluate the standards' effectiveness, with requirements to report findings to the legislature. Additionally, the bill clarifies that technologies like solar water heating and sea-water air-conditioning district cooling systems can continue to count toward meeting these energy-efficiency goals. The legislation reflects Hawaii's ongoing commitment to reducing electricity consumption and supporting clean energy initiatives as part of its broader decarbonization strategy.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=785&year=2026