HB 1996 Summary

• Authorizes independent renewable energy generators to engage in retail wheeling of renewable energy produced at their facilities for use in hydrogen production, with third-party electric utilities to be fairly compensated through rates established by the Public Utilities Commission.

• Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish rules and appropriate rate structures by December 31, 2024, to implement retail wheeling for renewable energy used in hydrogen production.

• Defines "retail wheeling" as transmission of electric power from an independent renewable energy generator over existing utility transmission and distribution lines to facilities that use the renewable energy to produce hydrogen.

• Amends the definition of "public utility" in Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 269 by removing language that would have prohibited wheeling of renewable energy.

• Takes effect July 1, 3000 (note: effective date appears to contain a clerical error).