Report Title:

Photovoltaic Rebate Program; Renewable Energy

 

Description:

Authorizes the public utilities commission to establish a ratepayer-funded photovoltaic rebate program.  (CD1)

 

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

988

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007

S.D. 2

STATE OF HAWAII

H.D. 3

 

C.D. 1

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature is in support of renewable energy programs to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, while increasing energy security by minimizing the impacts of supply disruptions and pricing volatility.

     The legislature finds that the high initial cost of purchasing renewable energy systems is a barrier to the installation and utilization of these types of technologies.  The legislature also finds that the renewable energy income tax credit, the high cost of electricity, and other market-based incentives may not be sufficient to encourage, in particular, the use of photovoltaic systems throughout Hawaii.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to encourage and authorize the public utilities commission to establish a ratepayer-funded photovoltaic rebate program to promote the use of this renewable energy technology to utility customers within electric utility service areas, if the public utilities commission determines after an assessment of the costs and benefits of such a program that it is in the public interest to establish such a program.

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

     "§269-    Photovoltaic rebate program; establishment.  (a)  The public utilities commission may establish a ratepayer-funded photovoltaic rebate program upon evaluating the costs and benefits of a rebate program and determining that a rebate program is in the public interest.

     (b)  To qualify for the photovoltaic rebate program, applicants shall comply with requirements and conditions established by the public utilities commission.

     (c)  Rebate amounts and other program specifications for the photovoltaic rebate program shall be established by the public utilities commission.

     (d)  The public utilities commission shall effectuate the purposes of this section by rules adopted pursuant to chapter 91 or order.

     (e)  The public utilities commission may delegate the administration of the photovoltaic rebate program to the public benefits fund administrator established pursuant to section 269‑122."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008, and shall be repealed on June 30, 2013.