H.B. 1384 Summary

• Requires the Public Utilities Commission to evaluate whether allowing public utilities to lease unused or temporarily available infrastructure (such as fiber optic cables, conduit, and other assets) would serve the public interest as a cost recovery and revenue-generating mechanism.

• Adds infrastructure leasing as a fifth economic incentive or cost recovery mechanism for the Commission to consider when carrying out its regulatory responsibilities, joining existing mechanisms like cost savings incentives and renewable energy curtailment mitigation.

• Mandates that the Commission's annual report to the Governor include a summary of economic incentives and cost recovery mechanisms considered, along with fiscal impacts where implemented.

• Cites examples from California where Southern California Edison's fiber leases generated substantial revenues (ranging from $674,280 to $2,387,197) while benefiting ratepayers without operational risk.

• Aims to accelerate broadband network expansion in Hawaii by allowing providers to use existing utility infrastructure rather than conducting costly new pole attachments and excavations.