Bill > HB978

This bill expands the Public Utilities Commission's (PUC) existing authority to appoint a receiver for a failing utility, specifically adding investor-owned electric utilities to the current law that previously only covered water and sewer utilities. The bill recognizes that electric utilities are critical to public health and welfare, and that the state's largest electric utility has underinvested in infrastructure and grid modernization. Under the proposed legislation, the PUC can now appoint a receiver if an electric utility is failing to provide adequate service or poses an imminent threat to customer health and safety. The receiver would have broad powers to manage the utility's assets, spend existing revenues, and commit additional resources to restore acceptable service levels. The goal of this receivership is to protect the struggling utility, ensure continued service, maintain employee compensation, and help the utility return to profitability. Any costs incurred during the receivership would be the responsibility of the utility or its ratepayers, and the receiver would maintain control until the utility can be returned to its original owners, transferred to new owners, or liquidated, depending on what the PUC determines is in the public interest.

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

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=978&year=2026