Bill Text: HI HB1517 | 2014 | Regular Session | Introduced

Hawaii House Bill 1517 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Energy; Electricity; Competition; Public Utilities Commission: Study

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-01-15 - Referred to EEP, CPC, referral sheet 1 [HB1517 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2014-HB1517-Introduced.html

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1517
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to energy.

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

SECTION 1. Hawaii has the most expensive electricity rates in the nation. These high electricity rates are often attributed to Hawaii's reliance on imported oil and an obsolete electrical utilities business model that has not changed in over a century. Hawaii electrical utilities still require a central system operator to manage the power supply with fluctuating customer demand, while striving to maintain the reliability of the power system. Electrical utility problems are further exacerbated by the fact that the aging analog controls used to manage the electrical supply have become increasingly unreliable and insecure.

To reduce both electricity prices and the State's dependence on imported oil, Hawaii must modernize the electrical grid to allow for competition in the production of electricity. An intelligent, deregulated, digital electrical grid control system will increase the reliability and security of the electrical grid, manage the power supply to meet electricity demands, help to increase electrical production competition, and help move Hawaii toward the widespread use of renewable energy. To increase use of renewable energy, Hawaii must remove barriers preventing competition in the electricity production marketplace, while ensuring the stability of the electrical grid.

The purpose of this Act is to determine ways to provide electric utility customers with an alternative supplier of electricity by creating competition in the electrical production marketplace.

SECTION 2. The public utilities commission shall undertake a study on methods to increase the number of electrical providers in the State. The report shall include ways to create competition for electrical providers, including the creation of investor owned utilities, so that electrical customers have a choice of electrical providers. The public utilities commission shall report its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2015.

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

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Energy; Electricity; Competition; Public Utilities Commission: Study

Description:

Requires the public utilities commission to conduct a study on ways to create competition in the electricity production so that consumers may purchase electricity from a variety of sources.

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