HI SCR242

Requests the Public Utilities Commission, in collaboration with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' Division of Consumer Advocacy, to convene a working group to create a Hawaii Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program for low-income households.

Working group shall include representatives from the Public Utilities Commission, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Department of Human Services, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Hawaii State Energy Office, electric utilities, legislative committee chairs, and Hawaii Energy.

Directs the working group to submit a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature and Governor no later than twenty days before the 2023 Regular Session convenes.

Notes that Hawaii's electricity rates are close to three times the national average and that forty-two percent of Hawaii households live below the ALICE threshold despite being employed.

Acknowledges that federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds for utility assistance are scheduled to end by September 30, 2025, requiring a state program to prevent future service terminations.