SB 587 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.

Summary

Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish a streamlined grid-ready homes interconnection process, including vehicle-to-grid compliance requirements, by 1/1/2026. Authorizes the use of the Hawaii electricity reliability surcharge for cost recovery of certain expenses of the Hawaii Electricity Reliability Administrator associated with the grid-ready homes interconnection process. Requires a report to the PUC on the grid-ready homes interconnection process. Effective 1/1/2050. (SD1)

Issues: ✓ Energy

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Feb 2025

Senate Passage

Feb 2025

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 17, 2025 Last action Dec 8, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

SB587 → SB587_SD1 · 7 edits

MODERATE

This bill introduces a streamlined 'grid-ready home' interconnection process to speed up the installation of renewable energy systems like solar panels and electric vehicle chargers. It mandates that utilities approve these specific systems within two weeks and allows for managed power export/import. The bill also establishes a new 'Hawaii electricity reliability surcharge' to fund a dedicated administrator and covers vehicle-to-grid technology compliance.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope from general renewable energy goals to specific regulatory requirements for a new 'grid-ready home' category, applying to residential properties with specific certified technologies.

DEFINITION

Created a new definition for 'grid-ready home' to include properties with UL 1741 certified systems, heat pumps, and EV chargers.

REQUIREMENT

Mandated a streamlined interconnection process requiring utilities to approve grid-ready homes within two weeks.

Authorized managed power export and import for distributed energy resources where service upgrades are needed.

Required utilities to update rules by July 1, 2025, to include vehicle-to-grid compliance standards.

FISCAL

Established a new 'Hawaii electricity reliability surcharge' to fund the operations of the Hawaii electricity reliability administrator.

TIMELINE

Set a deadline of January 1, 2026, for the commission to establish the full grid-ready home interconnection process.

ENFORCEMENT

Added requirements for the reliability administrator to submit annual reports on process effectiveness, timelines, and costs.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 7, 2025

Upper · Passed

Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM.

upper

Feb 7, 2025

Committee

Reported from EIG/CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 89) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.

upper

Jan 29, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on EIG recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in EIG were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Wakai, Chang, DeCoite; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) Fevella; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Richards.

upper

Jan 29, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in CPN were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Keohokalole; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) Fukunaga, McKelvey ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Richards, Awa.

upper

Jan 24, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on EIG/CPN has scheduled a public hearing on 01-29-25 9:45AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.

upper

Jan 23, 2025

Committee

Referred to EIG/CPN, WAM.

upper

Jan 17, 2025

Introduced

Introduced.

upper

4 primary · 3 co-sponsors