THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1482
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION.

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

     SECTION 1.  Section 269-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

     "(b)  The public utilities commission [may] shall consider the need [for] to reduce the State's reliance on fossil fuels through energy efficiency and increased renewable energy [use] generation in exercising its authority and duties under this chapter.  In making determinations of the reasonableness of the costs of utility system capital improvements and operations, the commission shall explicitly consider, quantitatively or qualitatively, the fact that the State's reliance on fossil fuels results in increased price volatility, export of funds for fuel imports, fuel supply reliability risk, and greenhouse gas emissions.  The commission may determine that short-term costs or direct costs that are higher than alternatives relying more heavily on fossil fuels are reasonable, considering the impacts resulting from the use of fossil fuels."

     SECTION 2.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

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

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Public Utilities Commission; Renewable Energy

Description:

Allows the public utilities commission (PUC) to consider the benefits of capital improvements for renewable energy and energy efficiency despite the short-term expense.  Requires the PUC to consider the need to reduce the State's reliance on fossil fuels.

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