SB 2033 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.

Summary

Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish a streamlined grid-ready homes interconnection process. 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 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Issues: ✓ Energy

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Feb 2026

Senate Passage

Feb 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 14, 2026 Last action Feb 18, 2026

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What changed between versions

SB2033 → SB2033_SD1 · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill was amended to shift its effective date from January 1, 2027, to July 1, 2050, likely to allow for further study or alignment with future legislative sessions. The definition of a 'grid-ready home' was expanded to explicitly include properties modified for clean energy technologies. The commission's role in cost-sharing was clarified to ensure customers remain responsible for grid upgrades caused by their projects, while the commission manages the payment mechanism. A new requirement was added for the commission to provide guidance on technology safety standards and certifications.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include a specific mandate for the commission to provide guidance on compliance with technology safety standards and certifications, in addition to managing the interconnection process.

TIMELINE

The effective date of the Act was changed from January 1, 2027, to July 1, 2050.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'grid-ready home' was updated to explicitly mention properties modified to anticipate clean electrification technologies.

REQUIREMENT

The specific dollar amounts and tiered cost-sharing schedule for service upgrades were removed and replaced with a general requirement for the commission to establish a cost-sharing mechanism.

A new requirement was added for the commission to provide guidance on compliance with technology safety standards and certifications.

The timeline for completing required service upgrades was clarified to occur within three months of notification to the customer.

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 18, 2026

Upper · Passed

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

upper

Feb 18, 2026

Committee

Reported from CPN/EIG (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2312) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.

upper

Feb 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on EIG recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in EIG were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Wakai, Chang, DeCoite, Richards, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.

upper

Feb 10, 2026

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, Fukunaga, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Lamosao, McKelvey.

upper

Jan 30, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on CPN/EIG has scheduled a public hearing on 02-04-26 9:30AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.

upper

Jan 22, 2026

Committee

Referred to CPN/EIG, WAM.

upper

Jan 21, 2026

Introduced

Introduced and passed First Reading.

upper

Jan 14, 2026

Introduced

Pending Introduction.

upper

5 primary · 0 co-sponsors