Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR96

Introduced
3/16/26  
Refer
3/19/26  
Report Pass
4/8/26  
Engrossed
4/9/26  
Refer
4/10/26  
Report Pass
4/20/26  
Refer
4/20/26  
Report Pass
4/24/26  

Caption

Requesting The Public Utilities Commission To Provide A Report To The Legislature On The Progress Of The Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator.

Impact

The passage of SCR96 could enhance the state's oversight of energy practices, particularly by examining interconnection challenges that have hindered many renewable energy projects. The resolution draws attention to concerns raised during the Regular Session of 2022 regarding the delays faced by these projects, further emphasizing the significance of creating a regulatory environment conducive to rapid interconnection. The documentation of delays, costs, and methodologies associated with interconnection aims to improve transparency and operational efficiency within the state's energy sector.

Summary

SCR96 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that requests the Public Utilities Commission to provide a report to the legislature on the progress of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator (HERA). Established in statute in 2012, the HERA is responsible for overseeing the reliability of the state's electric system, particularly concerning the development of reliability standards and interconnection-related functions. The resolution underscores the necessity for efficient interconnection processes, as they are crucial for ensuring electric system reliability and facilitating the integration of renewable energy projects into the grid.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around SCR96 appears to be supportive, as it reflects a proactive approach toward addressing the existing issues within Hawaii's electric system. Legislators seem to recognize the critical nature of these inquiries to streamline processes and ensure that renewable energy initiatives effectively meet the state’s sustainability goals. However, the bill also indicates underlying tensions between advancing renewable energy solutions and addressing ongoing challenges in project execution and reliability oversight.

Contention

A notable point of contention highlighted in discussions surrounding SCR96 is the alarming cancellation rate of renewable energy projects, reported to exceed fifty percent before reaching commercial operations. Stakeholders are concerned that without addressing the identified interconnection delays and system access issues, Hawaii may struggle to achieve its renewable energy targets and ensure adequate electricity supply. This raises important questions about the adequacy of current regulatory frameworks and the need for remedial action to avert potential energy shortages in the future.

Companion Bills

HI SR91

Same As Requesting The Public Utilities Commission To Provide A Report To The Legislature On The Progress Of The Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator.

HI HCR203

Same As Requesting The Public Utilities Commission To Provide A Written Status Update On The Implementation Of The Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR92

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Establish And Provide Legislative Engagement Forums To Educate And Empower The Native Hawaiian Community Regarding The Legislative Process.

HI SCR17

Requesting The Insurance Commissioner To Study The Impact Of Uninsured Motorists In Hawaii.

HI SCR206

Requesting The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands, Department Of Land And Natural Resources, University Of Hawaii, And Land Use Commission To Provide Enhanced Public Notice For Changes In Land Use Or Boundary Changes.

HI SCR136

Requesting The Hawaii State Energy Office To Convene A Nuclear Energy Working Group To Study The Feasibility Of Using Advanced Nuclear Power Technologies In The State.

HI SCR189

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct An Audit Of The Moneys Appropriated To The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands Pursuant To Act 279, Session Laws Of Hawaii 2022.

HI SCR161

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI HB1055

Making An Emergency Appropriation To The Public Utilities Commission.

HI SR75

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Establish And Provide Legislative Engagement Forums To Educate And Empower The Native Hawaiian Community Regarding The Legislative Process.

HI SCR155

Requesting The Insurance Commissioner To Produce A Detailed Report Regarding The State Of The Private Property Insurance Industry In Hawaii.

HI SR13

Requesting The Insurance Commissioner To Study The Impact Of Uninsured Motorists In Hawaii.

Similar Bills

OH SB381

Require PUCO approval to connect data centers to electrical grid

DC B26-0602

Guiding Renewable Interconnection and Distribution (GRID) Amendment Act of 2026

HI SB2033

Relating To Renewable Energy.

NJ S618

Directs BPU to update interconnection standards for Class I renewable energy sources and develop fixed fee structure for interconnection costs.

HI HB2242

Relating To Renewable Energy.

ME LD32

An Act Regarding the Interconnection Ombudsman Position at the Public Utilities Commission

TX HB1710

Relating to the issuance of a certificate of convenience or necessity for a facility to import or export power into or out of the ERCOT power region.

IN SB0240

Surplus interconnection service.