HB 1583 Summary

• Authorizes the Department of Education to evaluate the feasibility and cost-benefit of establishing a pilot microgrid at one or more school facilities to provide backup power during natural disasters or emergencies, with preference for facilities designated as emergency shelters.

• Authorizes the Department of Transportation to conduct a microgrid feasibility and cost-benefit analysis at one critical infrastructure facility with existing or proposed renewable energy systems capable of providing backup power independent of the electric grid.

• Authorizes the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority to establish and implement a microgrid demonstration project on its property, with support from public and private sector partners if necessary.

• Requires all agencies conducting microgrid evaluations and pilots to report findings to the Public Utilities Commission regarding microgrid design, economic value of resiliency, and deployment barriers for consideration in future regulatory proceedings.

• Effective July 1, 2050.