Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR91

Introduced
3/16/26  
Refer
3/19/26  
Report Pass
4/8/26  

Caption

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

Impact

SR91 is significant as it underlines the concerns surrounding the implementation of interconnection standards and reliability oversight set forth in previous statutes, particularly Act 201 from 2022. This act mandated the PUC to enhance the interconnection framework to help mitigate delays and promote the successful integration of renewable energy into the grid. SR91, by requesting a detailed report, aims to ensure that the PUC remains accountable for its commitments and adheres to the timeline proposed for the interconnection of renewable energy resources, which is crucial for the state's energy transition efforts.

Summary

Senate Resolution 91 (SR91) requests the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to report to the legislature on the progress made by the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, which was established to oversee the State's electric system. The resolution emphasizes the importance of efficient and timely interconnection processes, particularly for renewable energy projects, which are vital for maintaining electric system reliability and supporting Hawaii's clean energy goals. It outlines that delays in these processes have led to a high cancellation rate of renewable projects, which affects overall resource adequacy and the state's renewable energy targets.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR91 appears to be focused on collaboration and accountability among state agencies. Supporters of the resolution likely believe that improved oversight from the PUC can lead to more robust and reliable electric services, particularly as Hawaii transitions to a renewable energy-centric grid. However, the report also reflects underlying tension regarding the effectiveness and timeliness of current electric system management, indicating a desire among stakeholders for swift legislative action to address these challenges.

Contention

While SR91 aims to enhance the reliability of the electric grid by improving interconnection processes, it points to systemic issues within the PUC and its obligations. The historical context includes reported delays and challenges faced by renewable energy projects, suggesting that while SR91 seeks improvement, it also raises questions about the PUC’s capacity and readiness to implement such changes effectively. Ultimately, this resolution highlights a larger debate on how best to manage and innovate within the energy sector, balancing urgency with the need for effective infrastructural changes.

Companion Bills

HI SCR96

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

HI HR193

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 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 SR13

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

HI SR181

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 SR130

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 SR170

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 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 SR115

Requesting The Hawaii State Energy Office To Convene A Geothermal Energy Working Group To Evaluate The Regulatory And Policy Landscape Surrounding Geothermal Energy In Hawaii.

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 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.

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.