HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

167

TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014

H.D. 2

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

 

URGING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO ESTABLISH ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES, ESPECIALLY THOSE ENGAGED IN THE PRODUCTION OF FOOD FOR LOCAL CONSUMPTION, AND TO DEVELOP APPROPRIATE INCENTIVES FOR AGRICULTURAL USES THAT MAY BE SHIFTED TO OFF-PEAK TIMES OR MAY BE AVAILABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN DEMAND RESPONSE TO THE BENEFIT OF THE ELECTRIC GRID.

 

 

 


     WHEREAS, expanding the agricultural sector in Hawaii is essential to gaining self-sufficiency and food sustainability in the State; and

 

     WHEREAS, energy is a major cost component for those seeking to enter or sustain a business in the agricultural industry and rising energy costs have adversely impacted business viability and feasibility; and

 

     WHEREAS, properly designed programs and incentives for energy efficiency and conservation in all agricultural activities, especially those engaged in the production of food for local consumption, such as irrigation, water pumping, refrigeration, and cooling may optimize the efficiency of the electric grid and benefit all electricity customers; and

 

     WHEREAS, efficiency and conservation programs and appropriate rate design incentives can help to support the long-term viability and growth of all types of agriculture in the State; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-seventh Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2014, that the Public Utilities Commission is urged to direct the Public Benefits Fee Administrator to consider energy efficiency and conservation programs to assist the agricultural sector, and to direct Hawaii's electric utilities to offer incentives for all agricultural activities, especially those engaged in the production of food for local consumption, that can be shifted to off-peak times or are available to participate in demand response programs; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission, Program Director of the Public Benefits Fee Administrator, Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture, and the President of each electric utility company operating in Hawaii.


Report Title: 

Agricultural Activities; PUC; Rate Design Incentives