HI SB72

Requires the Public Utilities Commission to approve, approve with modifications, or deny applications for renewable energy projects, power purchase agreements, and grid connection projects within 180 days of filing for applications submitted on or after July 1, 2023.

Establishes procedural requirements for renewable energy applications, including mandatory standard information submission, demonstration of community support, and prior government agency approvals before PUC filing.

Exempts amendments to previously approved renewable power purchase agreements from PUC approval if they reduce costs, meet benchmark pricing, contain no operational limitations, and extend the agreement no more than five years.

Requires public utilities to submit informational filings to the PUC for power purchase agreement amendments, available for public review for two months without requiring further commission action unless concerns arise.

Applies only to utility-scale renewable energy projects of five megawatts or larger capacity and excludes member-owned cooperative electric utilities; effective July 1, 2050.