Report Title:

Renewable Energy Systems

Description:

Simplifies requirements for interconnecting net metered renewable energy systems. Requires the PUC, through decision and order or tariff approval, to adopt interconnection standards and requirements for systems above ten kilowatts. Effective July 1, 2099. (SD1)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

606

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

S.D. 1


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO STANDARDS FOR NET METERED RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS.

 

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

SECTION 1. Hawaii's abundant renewable energy resources are widely distributed and often available where energy is needed. On-site power generation using renewable energy sources can reduce demand for centralized, oil-fired power generation and can provide energy diversification and energy security for Hawaii's residents, businesses, and government agencies.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to lessen Hawaii's future dependence on imported oil and encourage the greater use of renewable energy by removing impediments to the installation of customer-sited renewable energy systems.

SECTION 2. Section 269-111, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§269-111 Safety and performance standards. (a) A solar, wind turbine, biomass, or hydroelectric energy generating system, or a hybrid system consisting of two or more of these facilities, used by an eligible customer-generator shall meet all applicable safety and performance standards established by the National Electrical Code, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and accredited testing laboratories such as the Underwriters Laboratories and, where applicable, rules of the public utilities commission regarding safety and reliability.

(b) For systems of ten kilowatts or less, an eligible customer-generator whose solar, wind turbine, biomass, or hydroelectric energy generating system, or whose hybrid system consisting of two or more of these facilities, meets [those] the standards and rules under subsection (a) shall not be required to install additional controls, perform or pay for additional tests, or purchase additional liability insurance.

(c) The commission, either through decision and order or by tariff adoption, shall:

(1) Set forth safety, performance, and reliability standards and requirements for eligible customer-generator systems of greater than ten kilowatts; and

(2) Establish the requirements that must be met by an eligible customer-generator to become exempt from installing additional controls, performing or paying for additional tests, and purchasing additional liability insurance."

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2099.