Bill > SB3103

This bill establishes the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program within the Department of Human Services to help eligible households pay their energy bills, recognizing that Hawaii has some of the highest electricity rates in the nation and a significant portion of its population struggles financially, even when employed. The program will require applicants to prove they are state residents with an active utility account and meet income and other eligibility standards set by the department. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Public Benefits Fee Administrator, who works for the Public Utilities Commission (a state agency that regulates utility companies), will provide recipients of this new energy assistance program with information and technical support to improve home energy efficiency and reduce costs, including offering energy audits if requested, thereby expanding the administrator's existing duties. The bill also includes an appropriation of funds for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to implement this program and specifies that it will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=3103&year=2026