Bill > SB1499

This bill amends Hawaii's Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) law by removing the Public Utilities Commission's (PUC) authority to penalize electric utility companies that fail to meet renewable energy generation targets. The bill maintains the existing RPS goals, which require electric utilities to progressively increase their renewable energy generation from 10% in 2010 to 100% by 2045. While the previous law allowed the PUC to establish penalties for utilities not meeting these standards and listed specific circumstances that might justify a waiver of penalties, this bill eliminates the penalty provisions entirely. The bill also removes a detailed list of potential extenuating circumstances that could have previously been used to justify non-compliance. The RPS law continues to require the PUC to conduct periodic studies and evaluations of renewable energy standards, assess their feasibility, and report to the legislature, but now without the threat of financial penalties for utilities that do not meet the targets. The changes suggest a more flexible approach to renewable energy implementation, potentially acknowledging the challenges of rapid renewable energy transition while maintaining the overall goals.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1499&year=2025