Featured in Treasure Islands – 08-2024

Hawaii makes strides toward resilience

Hawaiians are embracing renewable energy and battery storage to cut energy costs, as the islands have the highest average electricity price in the United States. At more than $0.40/kWh, Hawaiians pay almost three times the national average but change will not come without challenges.

By

Anne Fischer

12 Aug 2024

PUC pays householders who export electricity to the grid three distinct rates, depending on the time of day. | Photo: Eco Solar Hawaii

Hawaii was the first US state to declare a climate emergency. In 2008, it was the first US state to commit to 100% renewable portfolio standards (RPS) which will force utilities to supply 100% clean power by 2045. Subsequent legislation has not always moved renewables forward. In 2015, the public utilities commission (PUC) ended net-metering …

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