STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1551

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2013

RE:   S.B. No. 1040

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2013

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred S.B. No. 1040 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTRIC SYSTEMS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the Public Utilities Commission to consider the value of advanced grid modernization technology in improving Hawaii's electrical system.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Division of Consumer Advocacy, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Public Utilities Commission; Blue Planet Foundation; Hawaii Solar Energy Association; and one concerned individual.

     Your Committee finds that the use of advanced grid modernization technology may improve the reliability and efficiency of Hawaii's electrical distribution system as more renewable energy sources begin to connect to the system.  Accordingly, your Committee believes that the Public Utilities Commission should consider these new technologies as a means to optimize the generation and transmission capacity of the electrical grid.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1040 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

ANGUS L.K. McKELVEY, Chair