THE SENATE

S.C.R. NO.

147

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

requesting the public utilities commission to move beyond current rate structures and provide additional benefits for those communities that host renewable energy projects.

 

 


     WHEREAS, the State continues to move towards its mandated renewable energy and carbon emission goals –- including its goal to become completely carbon neutral by 2045 -- which will reduce electricity costs and lower carbon emissions; and

 

     WHEREAS, the State's growing need for clean energy has accelerated the development and construction of different renewable energy projects in more locations around the State, creating new jobs and opportunities; and

 

     WHEREAS, while development and construction may boost a local economy, residents living in a community impacted by a large-scale renewable energy project often face a disruption in their lives as a result; and

 

     WHEREAS, residents of the State living in communities that host large-scale renewable energy projects are charged a flat rate for energy by their providers, regardless of their proximity to these energy producing projects; and

 

     WHEREAS, benefit packages provided by developers to communities that host large-scale renewable energy projects are often not enough to provide them with fair compensation; and

 

     WHEREAS, communities around the State should be encouraged to desire more large-scale renewable energy projects, and the provision of direct benefits to residents who host renewable energy projects can help stimulate community buy-in and investment; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Public Utilities Commission has the oversight of and authority to influence the rate structures of energy providers; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2023, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Public Utilities Commission is requested to move beyond current rate structures and provide additional benefits for those communities that host renewable energy projects; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Chair of the Public Utilities Commission, and mayor of each county.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

Report Title: 

Public Utilities Commission; Rate Structures; Benefits