HI HR114

Urges Hawaii electrical utilities to adopt policies supporting micro-grids and self-sufficient residential solar photovoltaic systems on the electrical grid.

Identifies Hawaii's highest-in-the-nation electricity rates as stemming from reliance on imported oil and an outdated centralized utility business model over a century old.

Defines micro-grids as interconnected loads and distributed energy resources that can operate independently or connected to the main grid, and self-sufficient solar systems as photovoltaic installations with battery storage capable of supplying excess energy to the grid.

Compares the current centralized electrical grid to mainframe computers and proposes micro-grids as analogous to modern personal computers that process energy at the location where needed.

Directs certified copies to be transmitted to Hawaiian Electric Industries, Hawaiian Electric Company, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, and the Public Utilities Commission Chairperson.