Bill > HB1051

This bill expands Hawaii's energy-efficiency portfolio standards (EEPS), which are guidelines designed to reduce electricity consumption and associated emissions. Currently, the state aims to reduce electricity use by 4,300 gigawatt hours by 2030, and this bill extends that goal by requiring a reduction of 6,000 gigawatt hours by 2045. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is now mandated to establish additional interim goals for electricity use reduction in 2035 and 2040, with the flexibility to adjust these standards and the 2030 and 2045 targets to maximize cost-effective energy efficiency programs. The bill also requires the PUC to evaluate these standards every five years, starting in 2013, and report findings to the legislature, ensuring that the goals remain effective and achievable. Additionally, the bill makes minor technical changes to existing statutes, such as allowing renewable displacement technologies like solar water heating to count toward the energy efficiency standards. The underlying purpose is to continue Hawaii's commitment to reducing energy consumption, which is seen as the most cost-effective way to lower emissions and provide financial benefits to customers.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1051&year=2025