HI HB484

Establishes the Hawaii community-based renewable energy program to expand renewable energy access to residents and businesses unable to directly participate in onsite clean energy generation due to location, building type, or other barriers.

Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish community-based renewable energy tariffs by no later than January 1, 2016.

Prohibits cross-subsidy or cost-shifting to non-participating utility customers and requires tariffs to allow all customer classes to obtain interests in eligible renewable energy projects and receive bill credits for electricity provided.

Permits any person or entity, including electric utilities, to propose, own, or operate community-based renewable energy projects subject to commission review and approval, with projects not to exceed megawatt limitations set by the commission.

Clarifies that the program does not constitute "wheeling" as tariffs will address utility costs related to transmission, distribution, and grid operations.