Bill > SB143

This bill exempts microgrids that promote and serve public higher education institutions, such as the University of Hawaii system, from regulation as a public utility by the Public Utilities Commission. The bill adds a definition of "microgrid" as a localized electrical system with distributed energy resources, powered by renewable energy, that can serve interconnected loads of one or more persons or buildings within defined boundaries and operate independently or in parallel with the utility grid. The bill aims to encourage and facilitate the development of microgrids at University of Hawaii campuses and facilities to expand access to renewable energy and advanced distributed energy resources, and promote efficient electricity distribution to the State's residents and businesses.