Energy Equity and Justice Docket No. 2022-0250

Posted on Oct 10, 2023 in Key Dockets, Main

BACKGROUND

Energy Equity Docket 2022-0250 is a significant proceeding before the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) that focuses on addressing critical issues related to clean energy access, affordability, and fairness in Hawai‘i. At its core the docket seeks to ensure that all residents, regardless of income level or location, have access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy options.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and consumer empowerment, we encourage all residents to get involved and have their voices heard in this important process,” said DCA Executive Director Michael S. Angelo. “We hope all stakeholders are informed and take action so that we together can create an energy future that is inclusive, sustainable, and fair.”

The PUC is interested in hearing from communities that host energy facilities, people with a high energy burden, and individuals that do not typically participate in Commission dockets. By actively participating in this docket, consumers can help shape the policies and regulations that govern energy services in our state, ensuring they are just and equitable for everyone.

Public comments can be submitted at any time at https://hpuc.my.site.com/cdms/s/consumers/public-comments and should reference Docket No. 2022-0250.

For a schedule of events and more information visit https://puc.hawaii.gov/energy/equity.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/UPDATES

10/11/2023 – PUC announces the planning of a virtual meeting for Tuesday October 31, 2023 and is seeking stakeholder and public input regarding most preferred timing of this event. Please let them know your preferred time slot for the October 31 meeting by providing responses to this brief poll (https://forms.office.com/r/F425WgAWdZ) by no later than Friday, October 13 at 4:30pm HST.
9/27/2023 – PUC issues Decision & Order No. 40290 “Setting the Next Steps for this Docket” which sets the next steps for community outreach and education. The Commission will also facilitate discussions to develop interim recommendations for improving equity in future Requests for Proposals (“RFP”) in the near term.
6/23/2023 – PUC issues Decision and Order No. 40032, “Inviting Stakeholder Input on the Draft Workplan for this Docket” which includes a request and instructions for feedback on the Commission’s Proposed Equity Proceeding Workplan and Stakeholder Engagement Approach.
5/31/2023 – Energy Assistance Program application period open June 1-30, 2023.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides qualifying low-income households with a one-time allocation that is applied as credit towards their electric bills to help pay for energy costs.
2/15/2023 – PUC schedules Opening Meetings March 1 and March 8 (See notice and agenda and flyer)
12/22/2022 – PUC issues Decision and Order No. 38788, Indefinitely extending the deadline to file a motion to participate or intervene

PARTICIPATION

Docket No. 2022-0250 is unique in its call for public input and will test new methods of public participation. The PUC encourages anyone interested in providing input to participate.

The PUC is particularly interested in hearing from communities that host energy facilities, people with a high energy burden, and people that do not typically participate in Commission dockets.

You may participate a number of ways including:

- Submit a Public Comment: Send your input for the Commission’s consideration in a public comment. Your comment will be posted to the official record for Docket No. 2022-0250 for everyone to view. Because the Commission’s goal is to promote broad participation in Docket No. 2022-0250, public comments in this docket will be given the same attention and consideration as formal motions filed by parties, participants, and intervenors.
- Formal Participation or Intervention: A participant or intervenor is an official party to the docket and as such, you may be required to answer formal questions from other parties. You will also be consulted for input on issues. For more details on intervention and formal participation without intervention, see HAR § 16-601-55 and 56.

Although formal participation or intervention is not required to have your voice heard, for those wishing to be an official party in this docket, the Commission has indefinitely extended the deadline to file a motion to participate or intervene and has waived the $15 filing fee to remove barriers to participation. To take advantage of this waiver, select “Other Motions” option from the “Document Type” drop-down menu when e-filing the motion to intervene or participate.

KEY ISSUES

The following five tracks have been identified and expanded as the key issues when addressing Energy Equity:

Procedural Equity: This track focuses on making sure that the processes and actions of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) are fair and just for everyone. It includes developing a plan to promote equity and justice, making PUC proceedings more accessible to the community, and improving engagement with customers to provide better education about energy matters.

Energy Affordability and Direct Payment Assistance: This track is all about making energy more affordable for everyone. It includes things like offering rate discounts, subsidies, or bill credits to help people with their energy bills directly.

Equitable Siting and Hosting of Energy Infrastructure: This track addresses where energy facilities, like power plants, are located and how they impact communities. It aims to ensure that the process of deciding where these facilities go takes into account the concerns and needs of the communities they affect. It also looks at how communities can benefit from hosting these energy facilities.

Equitable Access to Clean Energy: This track focuses on making sure that everyone has equal opportunities to access clean and renewable energy options. It includes expanding participation in programs that support clean energy and enhancing financing options to make it easier for people to adopt clean energy solutions.

Utility Performance and Tracking: This track is about holding utility companies accountable and making sure they are transparent in their actions. It includes increasing reporting and transparency, making sure there are no disconnections for non-payment during certain times, and adjusting how they handle accounting for unpaid bills.

Consumer Advocacy – Public Utilities (DCA)