STAND. COM. REP. NO. 148-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.B. No. 1828

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 1828 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ENERGY-EFFICIENCY PORTFOLIO STANDARDS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to extend the State's energy-efficiency portfolio standards from 2030 to 2045, update the standards, and authorize the Public Utilities Commission to adjust the 2045 standard and establish interim goals.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Hawaiʻi Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption Commission; Hawaii State Energy Office; Public Utilities Commission; Hawaiʻi Energy; Blue Planet Foundation; Ulupono Initiative; Hawaiian Electric; 350Hawaii.org; Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; Climate Protectors Hawaii; and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that Act 155, Session Laws of Hawaii 2009, sets a statewide energy efficiency goal for 2030 and directs the Public Utilities Commission to establish interim goals. Your Committee further finds that the energy-efficiency portfolio standards must be extended in order to ensure that the State continues to progress toward achieving its 2045 clean energy and decarbonization goals. Your Committee believes that this measure will address this need by extending, updating, and strengthening the energy-efficiency portfolio standards to 2045 and authorizing the Public Utilities Commission to adjust the 2045 and interim standards.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1828, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1828, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair