S.R. 135 Summary

• Requests the Public Utilities Commission to respond to Hawaiian Electric's November 2023 request to suspend, deprioritize, and delay Phase 2, Tranche 2 of the Community-Based Renewable Energy Program.

• Directs the Public Utilities Commission to issue informational requests to Hawaiian Electric seeking specific reasons, timing justification, and a reasonable date for resuming community-based renewable energy project procurement.

• Orders Hawaiian Electric to continue deployment of community-based renewable energy projects through Phase 2, Tranche 2 based on the Public Utilities Commission's findings and to revoke the suspension of procurement.

• Emphasizes that community-based renewable energy ("shared solar") projects enable low- to moderate-income families, renters, condo residents, and seniors to access solar energy benefits without large upfront investments while advancing Hawaii's renewable energy goals.

• Notes approximately 5 projects have been installed since 2015, with 13 additional Phase 2, Tranche 1 projects planned for 2024-2026, and argues Hawaiian Electric has had sufficient time to implement the program.