HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1878
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to interconnection fees.

 

 

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

 

SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that electric utility customers who install solar energy generation technology, particularly photovoltaic systems, on their homes or businesses contribute to an overall reduced demand for electricity.  The legislature also finds that photovoltaic systems with a battery back-up system contribute to even greater reduction on the electrical grid's electrical load because the battery systems are able to store electricity for use when no solar resource is available to generate power.  These battery back-up systems increase the utility customer's energy self-sufficiency while saving the utility the cost of installing large-scale batteries on the grid, reducing transmission and distribution electrical losses, and saving grid capital costs.

The legislature finds that greater incentives are needed to encourage electric utility customers to install solar energy generation technology.  However, fees charged for connecting these technologies to the electrical grid may present a barrier for people who want to use these technologies.  The legislature further finds that the public utilities commission should establish an interconnection fee schedule that indicates the applicable interconnection fees that an electric utility may charge, including maximum fees that may be charged.  The fee schedule should provide for reduced fees for connecting solar energy generation technology that is equipped with a battery back-up system.

The purpose of this Act is to direct the public utilities commission to establish an interconnection fee schedule.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 269, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part VI to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§269-    Interconnection fee schedule.  By January 1, 2015, the commission shall establish, by rules adopted pursuant to chapter 91, a schedule of interconnection fees that may be charged by an electric utility to an eligible customer-generator for connecting a solar energy generating facility to the electrical grid.  The schedule shall establish maximum interconnection fees that may be charged.  The interconnection fee schedule shall provide for reduced interconnection fees for solar energy generating facilities that are equipped with a battery back-up system."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Interconnection Fees; Public Utilities Commission; Solar Energy

 

Description:

Requires the PUC to create an interconnection fee schedule for solar energy generating facilities that provides reduced fees for facilities that have a battery back-up system.

 

 

 

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