Report Title:

Utilities; Lifeline Electricity Rates; PUC

Description:

Requires the public utilities commission to implement a program to achieve lifeline electricity rates for residential electricity users who are elders with limited income, the handicapped with limited income, and any person with a medical condition who is dependent on a medical device requiring electricity to operate.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	133
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to utilities.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 269, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§269-   Lifeline electricity rates. (a)  The public utilities commission shall implement a program to achieve lifeline electricity rates for residential electricity users.

(b)  "Lifeline electricity rate" means a discounted rate for residential electricity users identified as:

(1) Elders with limited income;

(2) The handicapped with limited income; and

(3) Any person with a medical condition who is dependent on any medical device requiring electricity to operate,

as designated by the commission.

(c)  The commission shall require every electric public utility providing local electricity service to file a schedule of rates and charges providing a rate for lifeline electricity subscribers.

(d)  Nothing in this section shall preclude the commission from changing any rate established pursuant to subsection (a) either specifically or pursuant to any general restructuring of all electricity rates, charges, and classifications."

     SECTION 2.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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