HI HCR114

Encourages Hawaii's electric utilities to implement a program allowing residential photovoltaic customers to donate excess energy credits to nonprofit organizations and schools for electricity bill assistance.

Acknowledges Hawaii's exceptionally high electricity rates, with residential customers paying 36.41 cents per kilowatt-hour compared to the national average of 12.58 cents per kilowatt-hour as of October 2014.

Notes that photovoltaic installations in Hawaii have grown significantly, with 40,717 systems installed providing 312.3 megawatts of capacity, and solar energy's share of renewable generation increased from 0.8 percent in 2007 to 23 percent in 2013.

Identifies that high energy costs burden nonprofit organizations and schools by consuming larger portions of operating budgets and forcing cuts to programs, staff, and services.

Directs transmission of the resolution to Hawaiian Electric Companies, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, and the Public Utilities Commission Chair.