HI SB2644

Extends the exemption from electrician licensing requirements for qualified workers employed by electrical contractors retained by public utilities to perform high voltage work until June 30, 2027 (originally set to expire June 30, 2023).

Requires public utilities to solicit requests for proposals to licensed C-62 pole and line and C-63 high voltage electrical contractors before hiring non-licensed workers, and to certify that no qualified, licensed electricians were available to perform the work.

Mandates public utilities submit annual reports to the Board of Electricians and Plumbers identifying the number of qualified contractors employed for high voltage work and the number of requests for proposals solicited.

Limits the exemption to electric transmission and distribution line construction, maintenance, and connection to substation work, with exempted workers required to be at least as qualified as the utility's own employees.

Defines "high voltage" as six hundred volts or higher for purposes of the exemption.