HI SB1096

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 269-125 to add provisions exempting electric utilities from state and county taxes when collecting on-bill repayment amounts from customers for renewable energy and energy efficiency systems.

Exempts electric utilities serving as billing and collection agents from state taxes including general excise tax (chapter 237), public service company tax (chapter 239), public utility fee (section 269-30), and public utility franchise tax (chapter 240).

Clarifies that electric utilities acting as billing agents for on-bill programs are not subject to laws regulating financial institutions, escrow depositories, or collection agencies, and are not responsible for lending, underwriting, or credit determinations.

Defines "on-bill obligation" as costs from acquiring and installing renewable energy, energy efficiency, or energy conservation systems approved by the Public Utilities Commission for repayment through an on-bill program.

Defines "on-bill program" as any Public Utilities Commission-approved program allowing electric utility customers to pay for renewable energy, energy efficiency, or energy conservation systems as part of their utility bill.