HI SR11

Legislature recognizes Hawaii Island Energy Cooperative's organizational efforts to explore a cooperative ownership structure for electric utility service on Hawaii Island.

Hawaii Island Energy Cooperative is a non-profit cooperative association organized under chapter 421C of Hawaii Revised Statutes to supply, produce, generate, and distribute electric energy.

Cooperative ownership model offers potential benefits including local democratic control, community-based priorities, potentially lower electricity costs through tax-exempt status, improved energy independence, and emphasis on island-produced fuels.

Public Utilities Commission is requested to assess the feasibility of approving an energy cooperative model for Hawaii Island.

Certified copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the Public Utilities Commission Chair, County of Hawaii Mayor, and Hawaii Island Energy Cooperative.