Legislative Affairs
Solar / Renewable Energy
Amends definition of "renewable electrical energy" to include, beginning 1/1/15, customer-sited, grid-connected renewable energy generation.
Establishes a working group to study the feasibility of requiring all new single-family residential construction to incorporate design elements and minimum equipment installation at the time of construction to facilitate the future adoption of a photovoltaic system.
Extends the repeal date of Act 173 (2009), which exempts renewable energy projects from subdivision requirements on State agricultural or conservation lands from July 1, 2013, to July 1, 2020. Clarifies that wind energy projects are included in the exemption. Makes conforming amendments to section 201N-13, HRS.
Increases, with certain limitations, the areas within agricultural lands in which solar energy facilities may be constructed.
Regulatory Issues
Allows the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to consider the benefits of capital improvements for renewable energy and energy efficiency despite the short-term expense. Requires the PUC to consider the need to reduce the State's reliance on fossil fuels.
Directs the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to investigate an On-bill Financing Program (Program) for residential electric utility customers to finance purchases of energy efficient or renewable energy devices and systems through their regular electric utility bills. Authorizes PUC to implement a Program by decision and order or by rules if the program is found to be viable. Effective July 1, 2011.
Exempts certain third party owners and operators of on-site renewable energy systems from regulation as public utilities by the public utilities commission.
Tax Incentives & Finance
Requires the department of taxation to evaluate certain tax credits, exclusions, and exemptions and report to the legislature. Effective 7/1/50
Prohibits recipients of federal grants from qualifying for state tax credits.
Requires a renewable energy technology system to be placed in service prior to January 1, 2017, to be eligible for the renewable energy tax credit. Delays the beginning of the payout for tax credits claimed in 2012 to July 1, 2013. Requires tax credits to be claimed in the taxable year that is two years following the taxable year in which the cost was incurred Requires Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism to complete an assessment on the effectiveness and ongoing need for the tax credit.
Reduces certain allowable tax credits for taxable years beginning on or after 1/1/11, and ending before 1/1/16. Imposes a temporary tax ceiling for certain tax credits.
Repeals income, general excise, and other certain tax credits and exclusions, with certain exemptions.
Establishes an excise tax on direct broadcast satellite service providers. Modifies the renewable energy technologies income tax credit. Repeals the income tax exemption for stocks and stock options from a qualified high technology business. Effective July 1, 2011.
Changes the tax on a barrel of petroleum to an unspecified amount. Requires unspecified sums of the environmental response, energy, and food security tax to be deposited into the energy security special fund, the agricultural development and food security special fund, and the special account of the general fund for the climate change task force. Provides for the extension of the climate change task force. Effective 7/1/2050.