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SCR 96

REQUESTING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO PROVIDE A REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE ON THE PROGRESS OF THE HAWAII ELECTRIC RELIABILITY ADMINISTRATOR.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 1 co-sponsor

The bill requires the PUC to report on HERA implementation progress and provide annual updates to the Legislature to speed up interconnection, reliability standards, and renewable

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 830).
#electricgrid #energy #hera #puc #reports
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Bill Summary · SCR 96

Summary of SCR 96 (Session 2026) – Hawaii

Purpose and Intent

  • SCR 96 requests the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to provide a written status update on the implementation of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator (HERA).
  • The resolution also mandates an ongoing annual report to the Legislature detailing progress toward full HERA implementation, with updates due no later than 20 days before each regular legislative session.
  • The overarching goal is to ensure timely, efficient, and cost-effective interconnection processes and reliability oversight for Hawaii’s electric system, to support renewable energy deployment and grid reliability.

Key Provisions and Requirements

Initial Written Status Update

The PUC must include in the status update:
1. A description of the specific HERA functions the Commission committed to implementing after enactment of Act 201 (Act 201).
2. The current status of each function, clarifying whether it relates to reliability standards, interconnection-related roles, or other duties.
3. The reasons for any delays in implementing HERA as contemplated by statute and legislative intent.
4. A forecasted timeline for full implementation of HERA.

Annual Reports to the Legislature

  • The PUC is to submit an annual report to the Legislature, no later than 20 days prior to the convening of each regular session, detailing progress toward implementing HERA, continuing until full implementation is achieved.

Communications and Transmission

  • The resolution references prior concerns about interconnection delays for renewable energy projects and emphasizes the importance of HERA in establishing reliability standards and efficient interconnection processes to accelerate renewable energy integration and protect ratepayers.

Who/What is Affected

Government and Regulatory Bodies

  • Public Utilities Commission (PUC): Primary entity to report on HERA implementation status and timelines.
  • State agencies and offices named for notification and coordination in the resolution:
    • Governor
    • Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
    • Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism
    • Chief Energy Officer
    • Executive Director of the Office of Consumer Protection (Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs)

Energy Sector and ratepayers

  • Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator (HERA): The implementation and operational status are the central focus; HERA functions affect reliability standards, interconnection processes, and timely integration of renewable resources.
  • Electric utilities and developers: Indirectly affected through the status and effectiveness of HERA in improving interconnection timelines and reliability planning.
  • Renewable energy projects: Beneficiaries of improved interconnection processes and reliability oversight, potentially reducing delays and project costs.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The resolution contemplates ongoing legislative oversight by requiring:
    • An initial written status update by the PUC on HERA implementation (as described above).
    • Annual status reports to the Legislature, due 20 days before each regular session, continuing until HERA is fully implemented.
  • The resolution references Act 201 (2022) and related efforts, including previous Commission reports, findings on interconnection delays, and ongoing reliability considerations.
  • The measure is a concurrent resolution, not a bill to directly change law, but it creates a formal reporting obligation and legislative oversight mechanism.

Additional Context and Rationale

  • The bill cites persistent interconnection and reliability challenges, including:
    • Over half of renewable projects reportedly canceled before commercial operation (as of January 2026, per Hawaii Natural Energy Institute findings).
    • Delays in interconnection studies and the associated risks to project financing and construction.
    • Potential reliability concerns due to capacity shortfalls and aging fossil-fuel resources.
  • By ensuring consistent reporting and clear timelines, SCR 96 aims to energize and monitor the effective implementation of HERA, with the goal of enhancing grid reliability, accelerating renewable energy deployment, and protecting consumers’ interests.

Status (as of Action History)

  • Passed through various committees and sessions in both chambers, with amendments in some iterations, and ultimately filed as SCR 96 in 2026. The latest action indicates reception of the resolution by the Senate (and concurrence by the House) with establishing reporting requirements.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, industry stakeholders, or the general public) or add a brief comparison to Act 201 provisions for more context.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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