HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2299
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to energy.

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

     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to promote the use of energy-conserving voltage regulation technologies that improve grid efficiency and prevent wasted electricity by establishing incentives for electric utilities that use those technologies.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 269, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§269-   Voltage regulation technologies. (a)  The public utilities commission shall have the authority to allow Hawaii's electric utilities that purchase and install voltage regulation technologies after July 1, 2010, for use in providing electricity to their ratepayers to:

(1) Recover the actual costs of the purchase and installation of the voltage regulation technologies; and

(2) Earn a fifteen per cent rate of return on the actual costs of the purchase and installation of the voltage regulation technologies.

(b)  By rule adopted pursuant to chapter 91, the public utilities commission shall determine the voltage regulation technologies eligible for this incentive.

(c)  As used in this section, "voltage regulation technology" means voltage regulating equipment that:

(1) Reduces energy consumption;

(2) Improves grid efficiency;

(3) Raises or lowers voltage dynamically as needed; and

(4) Is at least ninety-nine per cent efficient across at least ninety per cent of the load curve."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Energy conservation; voltage regulation; incentives

Description:

Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to provide incentives to electric utilities that purchase and install dynamic voltage regulation technologies that reduce energy consumption, improve grid efficiency, and are at least 99% efficient across at least 90% of the load curve.

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