HB 2242: PUC; Renewable Energy; Grid-Ready Homes Interconnection Process; Hawaii Electricity Reliability Administrator; Report
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2026-02-17
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-02-18: Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on CPC with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish a streamlined grid-ready homes interconnection process. Expands reporting requirements of the Hawaii Electricity Reliability Administrator to include reporting on the grid-ready home interconnection process. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish a streamlined grid-ready homes interconnection process. Authorizes the use of the Hawaii electricity reliability surcharge for cost recovery of certain expenses of the Hawaii Electricity Reliability Administrator associated with the grid-ready homes interconnection process. Requires a report to the PUC on the grid-ready homes interconnection process. Effective 1/1/2027.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2242 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that the transition to a clean energy economy requires customer-friendly processes to enable widespread adoption of distributed energy resources and electrification technologies. Current interconnection and utility service upgrade processes have at times led to delays, unexpected costs, and increased customer dissatisfaction, hindering progress toward achieving the State's clean energy goals. These challenges also result in localized power quality issues and power outages when customers increase loads without informing the utility.
The legislature also finds that establishing streamlined and transparent interconnection processes will encourage consumer adoption, enable proactive utility planning, and ensure reliability and cost-effectiveness in the power system. The integration of smart inverters and other customer-sited technologies is critical to minimizing grid investments and achieving a clean, sustainable energy future.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a grid-ready home interconnection process that supports the rapid adoption of clean energy technologies, facilitates smart utility investments, and ensures power system reliability by retrofitting existing homes or building new homes with grid-ready capabilities.
SECTION 2. Section 269-141, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new definition to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:
""Grid-ready home" means any residential property equipped or modified to anticipate and streamline the integration of clean electrification technologies such as electric vehicle chargers and heat pumps, distributed energy resources such as photovoltaic systems, energy storage batteries leveraging current national standards for functionality such as Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., (UL) 1741 and UL 3141, and advanced grid modernization technology."
SECTION 3. Section 269-142, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§269-142[]] Reliability
standards; interconnection requirements; adoption and development; force and
effect. (a) The commission may adopt, by rule or order,
reliability standards and interconnection requirements. Reliability standards and interconnection
requirements adopted by the commission shall apply to any electric utility and
any user, owner, or operator of the Hawaii electric system. The commission shall not contract for the
performance of the functions under this subsection to any other entity as
provided under section 269-147.
(b) The commission may develop reliability
standards and interconnection requirements as it determines necessary or upon
recommendation from any entity, including an entity contracted by the
commission to serve as the Hawaii electricity reliability administrator
provided for under this part, for the continuing reliable design and operation
of the Hawaii electric system. Any
reliability standard or interconnection requirement developed by the commission
shall be adopted by the commission in accordance with subsection (a) [in
order] to be effective. The
commission shall not contract for the performance of the functions under this
subsection to any other entity as provided under section 269-147.
(c) The commission shall have jurisdiction over matters concerning interconnection requirements and interconnections located in the State between electric utilities, any user, owner, or operator of the Hawaii electric system, or any other person, business, or entity connecting to the Hawaii electric system or otherwise applying to connect generation or equipment providing ancillary services to, or operate generation and equipment providing ancillary services in parallel with the Hawaii electric system under processes established in accordance with section 269-145. Nothing in this subsection is intended to give the commission general supervision authority over any user, owner, or operator of the Hawaii electric system or any other person, business, or entity that is not a public utility as defined in section 269-1.
(d) The commission shall establish a streamlined grid-ready home interconnection process to equip existing and new homes with customer-sited and grid-tied renewable energy generation and storage systems. The process shall include:
(1) A streamlined notification and approval process for customers seeking to install distributed energy resources systems using Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., (UL) 1741, UL 3141, or equivalent certified functionality;
(2) A tiered cost-sharing mechanism to facilitate payment by interconnecting customers for service upgrades and interconnection costs attributable to their installation, consistent with applicable cost causation principles, to be paid by the owner of the customer generating facility as follows:
(A) $50 for a customer generating facility with a capacity no more than twenty-five kilowatts;
(B) $5 per kilowatt for a customer generating facility with a capacity greater than twenty-five kilowatts and no more than one hundred kilowatts; and
(C) $10 per kilowatt for a customer generating facility with a capacity greater than one hundred kilowatts;
provided that the cost-sharing schedule shall be reviewed and may be adjusted every six months upon approval by the commission, based on the actual costs of service upgrades completed by the public utility during the preceding two years to facilitate interconnection; provided further that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to modify, waive, or shift established cost causation principles, and interconnecting customers shall remain responsible for the reasonable and necessary grid upgrade costs caused by their interconnection project; provided further that for the purposes of this paragraph, "customer generating facility" means a customer-sited and grid-tied renewable energy generation and storage system;
(3) Procedural timelines for public utility action, including requiring the public utility to:
(A) Notify the customer applying for interconnection that the customer's application is complete or if not, the specific information that is missing, no later than five business days after receipt of the application;
(B) Provide the customer an executable interconnection agreement no later than five business days after confirming the completeness of the interconnection application; and
(C) Provide the customer a fully executed interconnection agreement, process necessary notifications, and grant interconnection no later than five business days after receiving the customer's executed interconnection agreement and verifying that all required permits have been issued by the appropriate authority;
(4) Provisions to allow distributed energy resources operation with managed power export and import where service upgrades are required; provided that the upgrades shall be completed within three months of notification to the interconnecting customer by the public utility;
(5) Protocols for virtual commissioning and issuing of interconnection agreements within one week of the submission of a commissioning packet; and
(6) Requirements obligating regulated public utilities to update their interconnection rules to allow for the interconnection and use of vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-home capable electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging equipment, including recognition of applicable national safety and interoperability standards, such as Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., (UL) 1741 and other relevant certifications, to enable electric vehicles to provide grid services, backup power, and load management functionality."
SECTION 4. Section 269-145, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§269-145[]]
Grid access; procedures for interconnection; dispute resolution. (a)
Each user, owner, or operator of the Hawaii electric system, or any
other person, business, or entity seeking to make an interconnection on the
Hawaii electric system shall do so in accordance with procedures to be
established by the commission by rule or order.
(b) The commission shall have the authority to make final determinations regarding any dispute between any user, owner, or operator of the Hawaii electric system, or any other person, business, or entity connecting to the Hawaii electric system, concerning either an existing interconnection on the Hawaii electric system or an interconnection to the Hawaii electric system created under the processes established by the commission under this section.
(c) In establishing a rule or order for the utility interconnection process for renewable energy and storage systems for grid-ready homes, the commission shall ensure the process:
(1) Allows licensed electricians to isolate electrical service at utility meters for meter panel replacement, meter socket adapter installation, or main panel upgrades; provided that access shall be subject to:
(A) Notification by the public utility to the owner of the grid-ready home of the planned service disconnection on the morning of the planned service disconnection;
(B) Confirmation of passed inspections by the appropriate authority; and
(C) Confirmation of reconnection procedures; and
(2) Establishes a virtual commissioning process whereby system installers may submit documentation confirming compliance with filed settings and operational requirements of the installed distributed energy resources."
SECTION 5. Section 269-145.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§269-145.5
Advanced grid modernization technology; principles. (a)
The commission, in carrying out its responsibilities under this chapter,
shall consider the value of improving electrical generation, transmission, and
distribution systems and infrastructure within the State through the use of
advanced grid modernization technology [in order] to improve the overall
reliability and operational efficiency of the Hawaii electric system.
(b) In advancing the public interest, the commission shall balance technical, economic, environmental, and cultural considerations associated with modernization of the electric grid, based on principles that include but are not limited to:
(1) Enabling a diverse portfolio of renewable energy resources;
(2) Expanding options for customers to manage their energy use;
(3) Maximizing interconnection of
distributed generation to the State's electric grids on a cost-effective basis
at non-discriminatory terms and at just and reasonable rates, while maintaining
the reliability of the State's electric grids, and allowing [such]
access and rates through applicable rules, orders, and tariffs as reviewed and
approved by the commission;
(4) Determining fair compensation for electric grid services and other benefits provided to customers and for electric grid services and other benefits provided by distributed generation customers and other non-utility service providers; and
(5) Maintaining or enhancing grid reliability and safety through modernization of the State's electric grids.
(c) The commission, in carrying out its responsibilities under this chapter, shall ensure the grid-ready home interconnection process established pursuant to section 269-142 aligns with principles of advanced grid modernization technology by:
(1) Streamlining customer access to renewable energy and storage resources;
(2) Enhancing customer participation in reliance-enhancing energy programs through rapid integration; and
(3) Optimizing grid operations to accommodate increased electrification while minimizing infrastructure costs."
SECTION 6. Section 269-149, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"(b) The Hawaii electricity reliability
administrator shall report to the commission each year on the date of agreement
under section 269-147 following the original contracting between the Hawaii
electricity reliability administrator and the commission on [the]:
(1) The status of its operations,
financial position, and a projected operational budget for the fiscal year
following the date of the report[.]; and
(2) The status, effectiveness, and outcomes of the grid-ready home interconnection process established pursuant to section 269-142, including:
(A) The number of customers served under the process;
(B) Average timelines for interconnection approvals and upgrades;
(C) Total fees collected by the public utility under the process;
(D) Total costs recovered by the public utility in service of the process; and
(E) Value of infrastructure upgrades deferred or avoided as a result of the process."
SECTION 7. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000; provided that sections 2 to 6 of this Act shall take effect on January 1, 2027.
Report Title:
PUC; Renewable Energy; Grid-Ready Homes Interconnection Process; Hawaii Electricity Reliability Administrator; Report
Description:
Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish a streamlined grid-ready homes interconnection process. Expands reporting requirements of the Hawaii Electricity Reliability Administrator to include reporting on the grid-ready home interconnection process. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2242 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
|
|
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STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
Relating to Renewable energy.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that the transition to a clean energy economy requires customer-friendly processes to enable widespread adoption of distributed energy resources and electrification technologies. Current interconnection and utility service upgrade processes have at times led to delays, unexpected costs, and increased customer dissatisfaction, hindering progress toward achieving the State's clean energy goals. These challenges also result in localized power quality issues and power outages when customers increase loads without informing the utility.
The legislature finds that establishing streamlined and transparent interconnection processes will encourage consumer adoption, enable proactive utility planning, and ensure reliability and cost-effectiveness in the power system. The integration of smart inverters and other customer-sited technologies is critical to minimizing grid investments and achieving a clean, sustainable energy future.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a grid-ready home interconnection process that supports the rapid adoption of clean energy technologies, facilitates smart utility investments, and ensures power system reliability.
SECTION 2. Section 269-141, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new definition to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:
""Grid-ready home" means a residential property equipped or modified to anticipate and streamline the integration of clean electrification technologies such as electric vehicle chargers and heat pumps, distributed energy resources such as photovoltaic systems, energy storage batteries leveraging current national standards for functionality such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1741 and UL 3141, and advanced grid modernization technology."
SECTION 3. Section 269-142, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§269-142[]] Reliability
standards; interconnection requirements; adoption and development; force and
effect. (a) The commission may adopt, by rule or order, reliability
standards and interconnection requirements. Reliability standards and interconnection
requirements adopted by the commission shall apply to any electric utility and
any user, owner, or operator of the Hawaii electric system. The commission shall not contract for the
performance of the functions under this subsection to any other entity as
provided under section 269-147.
(b) The commission may develop reliability
standards and interconnection requirements as it determines necessary or upon
recommendation from any entity, including an entity contracted by the
commission to serve as the Hawaii electricity reliability administrator
provided for under this part, for the continuing reliable design and operation
of the Hawaii electric system. Any
reliability standard or interconnection requirement developed by the commission
shall be adopted by the commission in accordance with subsection (a) [in
order] to be effective. The
commission shall not contract for the performance of the functions under this
subsection to any other entity as provided under section 269-147.
(c) The commission shall have jurisdiction over matters concerning interconnection requirements and interconnections located in the State between electric utilities, any user, owner, or operator of the Hawaii electric system, or any other person, business, or entity connecting to the Hawaii electric system or otherwise applying to connect generation or equipment providing ancillary services to, or operate generation and equipment providing ancillary services in parallel with the Hawaii electric system under processes established in accordance with section 269-145. Nothing in this subsection is intended to give the commission general supervision authority over any user, owner, or operator of the Hawaii electric system or any other person, business, or entity that is not a public utility as defined in section 269-1.
(d) The commission shall establish a streamlined grid-ready home interconnection process for customer-sited and grid-tied renewable energy generation and storage systems. The process shall include:
(1) A streamlined notification and approval process for customers seeking to install distributed energy resources systems using Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1741, UL 3141, or equivalent certified functionality;
(2) A tiered cost-sharing schedule to address service upgrades and interconnection costs, to be paid by the owner of the customer generating facility as follows:
(A) $50 for a customer generating facility with a capacity of not more than twenty-five kilowatts;
(B) $5 per kilowatt for a customer generating facility with a capacity of greater than twenty-five kilowatts and not more than one hundred kilowatts; and
(C) $10 per kilowatt for a customer generating facility with a capacity of greater than one hundred kilowatts;
provided that the cost-sharing schedule shall be reviewed and may be adjusted every six months upon approval by the commission, based on the actual costs of upgrades completed by the public utility during the preceding two years to facilitate interconnection; provided further that for the purposes of this paragraph, "customer generating facility" means a customer-sited and grid-tied renewable energy generation and storage system;
(3) Procedural timelines for public utility action, including requiring the public utility to:
(A) Notify the customer applying for interconnection that their application is complete or if not, the specific information that is missing no later than five business days after receipt of the application;
(B) Provide the customer an executable interconnection agreement no later than five business days after confirming the completeness of the interconnection application; and
(C) Provide the customer a fully executed interconnection agreement, process and necessary notifications, and grant interconnection, no later than five business days after receiving the customer's executed interconnection agreement and verifying that all required permits have been issued by the appropriate authority;
(4) Provisions to allow distributed energy resources operation with managed power export and import where service upgrades are required; provided that the upgrades shall be completed within three months of ; and
(5) Protocols for virtual commissioning and issuing of interconnection agreements within one week of the submission of a commissioning packet."
SECTION 4. Section 269-145, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§269-145[]]
Grid access; procedures for interconnection; dispute resolution. (a) Each user, owner, or operator of the Hawaii
electric system, or any other person, business, or entity seeking to make an
interconnection on the Hawaii electric system shall do so in accordance with
procedures to be established by the commission by rule or order.
(b) The commission shall have the authority to make final determinations regarding any dispute between any user, owner, or operator of the Hawaii electric system, or any other person, business, or entity connecting to the Hawaii electric system, concerning either an existing interconnection on the Hawaii electric system or an interconnection to the Hawaii electric system created under the processes established by the commission under this section.
(c) In establishing a rule or order for the utility interconnection process for renewable energy and storage systems for grid-ready homes, the commission shall ensure the process:
(1) Allows licensed electricians to isolate electrical service at utility meters for meter panel replacement, meter socket adapter installation, or main panel upgrades; provided that access shall be subject to:
(A) Notification by the public utility to the owner of the grid-ready home of the planned service disconnection on the morning of the planned service disconnection;
(B) Confirmation of passed inspections by the appropriate authority; and
(C) Confirmation of reconnection procedures; and
(2) Establishes a virtual commissioning process whereby system installers may submit documentation confirming compliance with filed settings and operational requirements of the installed distributed energy resources."
SECTION 5. Section 269-145.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§269-145.5
Advanced grid modernization technology; principles. (a)
The commission, in carrying out its responsibilities under this chapter,
shall consider the value of improving electrical generation, transmission, and
distribution systems and infrastructure within the State through the use of
advanced grid modernization technology [in order] to improve the overall
reliability and operational efficiency of the Hawaii electric system.
(b) In advancing the public interest, the commission shall balance technical, economic, environmental, and cultural considerations associated with modernization of the electric grid, based on principles that include but are not limited to:
(1) Enabling a diverse portfolio of renewable energy resources;
(2) Expanding options for customers to manage their energy use;
(3) Maximizing interconnection of
distributed generation to the State's electric grids on a cost-effective basis
at non-discriminatory terms and at just and reasonable rates, while maintaining
the reliability of the State's electric grids, and allowing [such]
access and rates through applicable rules, orders, and tariffs as reviewed and
approved by the commission;
(4) Determining fair compensation for electric grid services and other benefits provided to customers and for electric grid services and other benefits provided by distributed generation customers and other non-utility service providers; and
(5) Maintaining or enhancing grid reliability and safety through modernization of the State's electric grids.
(c) The commission, in carrying out its responsibilities under this chapter, shall ensure the grid-ready home interconnection process aligns with principles of advanced grid modernization technology by:
(1) Streamlining customer access to renewable energy and storage resources;
(2) Enhancing customer participation in reliance-enhancing energy programs through rapid integration; and
(3) Optimizing grid operations to accommodate increased electrification while minimizing infrastructure costs."
SECTION 6. Section 269-146, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§269-146[]]
Hawaii electricity reliability surcharge; authorization; cost recovery. (a) The commission may require, by rule or order,
that all utilities, persons, businesses, or entities connecting to the Hawaii
electric system, or any other user, owner, or operator of any electric element
that is a part of an interconnection on the Hawaii electric system shall pay a
surcharge that shall be collected by Hawaii's
electric utilities. The commission shall
not contract or otherwise delegate the ability to create the Hawaii electricity
reliability surcharge under this section to any other entity. This surcharge amount shall be known as the
Hawaii electricity reliability surcharge.
(b) Amounts collected through the Hawaii electricity reliability surcharge shall be transferred in whole or in part to any entity contracted by the commission to act as the Hawaii electricity reliability administrator provided for under this part.
(c) The Hawaii electricity reliability surcharge shall be used for the purposes of ensuring the reliable operation of the Hawaii electric system and overseeing grid access on the Hawaii electric system through the activities of the Hawaii electricity reliability administrator contracted under section 269-147; provided that amounts collected under the Hawaii electricity reliability surcharge shall not be available to meet any current or past general obligations of the State.
(d) The commission may allow an electric utility to recover appropriate and reasonable costs under the Hawaii electricity reliability surcharge for any interconnection to the Hawaii electric system, including interconnection studies and other analysis associated with studying the impact or necessary infrastructure and operational requirements needed to reliably interconnect a generator, as well as from electric utility customers through a surcharge or assessment subject to review and approval by the commission under section 269-16.
(e) The commission may allow the Hawaii electricity reliability administrator contracted under section 269-147, if contracted to perform the commission's functions under section 269-142(d), to recover appropriate and reasonable costs under the Hawaii electricity reliability surcharge for the implementation and operation of the grid-ready home interconnection process, including staffing, training, and infrastructure upgrades required to meet the grid-ready home interconnection process's timelines and standards.
[(e)]
(f) Nothing in this section shall
create or be construed to cause amounts collected through the Hawaii electricity
reliability surcharge to be considered state or public moneys subject to
appropriation by the legislature or be required to be deposited into the state
treasury."
SECTION 7. Section 269-149, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"(b) The Hawaii electricity reliability administrator
shall report to the commission each year on the date of agreement under section
269-147 following the original contracting between the Hawaii electricity
reliability administrator and the commission on [the]:
(1) The status of its operations, financial
position, and a projected operational budget for the fiscal year following the
date of the report[.]; and
(2) The status, effectiveness, and outcomes of the grid-ready home interconnection process, including:
(A) The number of customers served under the process;
(B) Average timelines for interconnection approvals and upgrades;
(C) Total fees collected by the public utility under the process;
(D) Total costs recovered by the public utility in service of the process; and
(E) Value of infrastructure upgrades deferred or avoided as a result of the process."
SECTION 8. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 9. This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2027.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
PUC; Renewable Energy; Grid-Ready Homes Interconnection Process; Hawaii Electricity Reliability Administrator; Electricity Reliability Surcharge; Report
Description:
Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish a streamlined grid-ready homes interconnection process. Authorizes the use of the Hawaii electricity reliability surcharge for cost recovery of certain expenses of the Hawaii Electricity Reliability Administrator associated with the grid-ready homes interconnection process. Requires a report to the PUC on the grid-ready homes interconnection process. Effective 1/1/2027.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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| Feb 18, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on CPC with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Reported from EEP (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 390-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to CPC. |
| Feb 12, 2026 | The committee on EEP recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 7 Ayes: Representative(s) Lowen, Perruso, Chun, Kahaloa, Kusch, Quinlan, Matsumoto; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Feb 6, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by EEP on Thursday, 02-12-26 9:45AM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 30, 2026 | Referred to EEP, CPC, referral sheet 5 |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Pending introduction. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Feb 12, 2026 | The committee on EEP recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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|---|---|---|
| Alternate Energy Inc. | ** Support | |
| Climate Protectors Hawaiʻi | ** Support | |
| ELCCO Inc. | ** Support | |
| Energy Advisors | ** Support | |
| EP Cube | ** Support | |
| Green Power Projects LLC | ** Support | |
| Hawaii Solar Energy Association | ** Support | |
| Hawaiian Electric | ** Against | |
| HI-POWER Solar LLC. | *** Support | Feb 12, 2026 |
| HI‑POWER Solar LLC | ** Support | |
| Mālama Solar | ** Support | |
| Malama Solar | *** Support | Feb 12, 2026 |
| Photonworks Engineering | ** Support | |
| Photonworks Engineering LLP | *** Support | Feb 12, 2026 |
| Sunspear Energy | ** Support |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 390-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 2242
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 2242 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Require the Public Utilities Commission to establish a streamlined grid-ready homes interconnection process;
(2) Authorize the Hawaii Electricity Reliability Administrator to recover costs under the Hawaii Electricity Reliability Surcharge for the implementation and operation of the grid-ready home interconnection process; and
(3) Expand reporting requirements of the Hawaii Electricity Reliability Administrator to include reporting on the grid-ready home interconnection process.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Solar Energy Association; Alternate Energy Inc.; Photonworks Engineering; Green Power Projects LLC; ELCCO Inc.; HI‑POWER Solar LLC; Malama Solar; EP Cube; Energy Advisors; Climate Protectors Hawaiʻi; Sunspear Energy; and two individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Hawaiian Electric. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Public Utilities Commission; and Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative.
Your Committee finds that delays, costs, and inconsistencies in interconnection and service‑upgrade processes have hindered customer adoption of distributed energy resources and created reliability challenges as electrification increases. Your Committee further finds that a standardized, transparent grid‑ready home interconnection process will reduce customer burdens, support smarter utility investments, and enhance grid reliability as Hawaii transitions toward one hundred percent renewable energy. This measure establishes procedures, timelines, cost‑sharing structures, and reporting requirements to ensure efficient, cost‑effective integration of customer‑sited and grid-tied renewable energy generation and storage systems.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Clarifying that the purpose of the grid-ready home interconnection process is to equip existing and new homes with certain renewable energy generation and storage systems;
(2) Specifying what interconnection costs are attributable to customers and clarifying that the tiered cost sharing mechanism does not modify, waive, or shift cost causation principles and that customers remain responsible for certain interconnection costs;
(3) Clarifying that service upgrades required by distributed energy resources operation with managed power export and import shall be completed within three months of notification to the customer by the public utility;
(4) Requiring the grid-ready home interconnection process to include requirements obligating regulated public utilities to update interconnection rules to allow for vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-home capable electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging equipment;
(5) Removing the authorization for the Hawaii Electricity Reliability Administrator to recover costs under the Hawaii Electricity Reliability Surcharge for the grid-ready home interconnection process;
(6) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(7) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2242, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2242, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,
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____________________________ NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Feb 12, 2026 | HB2242_TESTIMONY_EEP_02-12-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
House Standing Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection
House Standing Committee on Tourism
House Standing Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection
House Standing Committee on Tourism
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):