HI SR133

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

Working group composition includes representatives from PUC, consumer advocacy, Department of Human Services, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Hawaii State Energy Office, electric utilities, relevant legislative committee chairs, and Hawaii Energy.

Hawaii's electricity rates are approximately three times the national average, and 42 percent of households fall below the ALICE threshold for financial hardship.

Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds for utility assistance are scheduled to end by September 30, 2025, necessitating a state-level assistance program.

Working group required to submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature and Governor no later than twenty days before the 2023 Regular Session convenes.