HI HB815

Establishes that electric cooperatives are fundamentally distinct from investor-owned utilities due to their customer-owned, not-for-profit structure and democratic governance by member-elected boards.

Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to waive or exempt electric cooperatives from requirements under chapter 269, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and other regulatory requirements upon determining such requirements are unjust, unreasonable, or not in the public interest.

Requires the Public Utilities Commission and Division of Consumer Advocacy to consider the ownership structure and interests of electric cooperatives when determining the scope and need for regulatory oversight.

Defines "electric cooperative" as a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative entity formed under chapter 421C with a legislatively granted franchise to supply electric power, governed by a democratically elected board of member-directors.

Preserves electric cooperatives' obligation to comply with statewide clean energy policy mandates, including renewable portfolio standards and energy efficiency portfolio standards.