Report Title:

Public Utilities Commission; Deregulation

 

Description:

Requires the consumer advocate to conduct a study of ways that the public utilities commission can move toward deregulation of its regulated industries and encourage competition. Requires report to the legislature. Appropriates funds.

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1609

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2001

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to the public utilities commission.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the level of service afforded residents of the State by existing public utilities has not kept pace with the ever-increasing rates paid by customers. The legislature further finds that the grant of monopoly to existing public utilities to operate without competition is unwarranted given the level of service being provided. It is the sense of the legislature that the public is not receiving the best service available at the best price under the present system of regulation.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the state consumer advocate to conduct a study as to how the public utilities commission can move toward deregulation of its regulated industries and encourage greater competition. It is the legislature's intent, by deregulating public utilities and allowing competitive service in a free market environment, to provide for better services at more affordable rates.

SECTION 2. (a) Pursuant to section 269-54(b)(4), Hawaii Revised Statutes, the consumer advocate shall conduct a study of ways in which the public utilities commission can move toward deregulation of its regulated industries and encourage greater competition. The study shall include the following:

(1) A review of the current status of the regulated marketplace and the need for change in particular areas;

(2) A review of any statutes that might impede or discourage competition in, or deregulation of, the marketplace; and

(3) Recommendations to the legislature on statutes that should be amended, repealed, or enacted to enhance and reflect a fair, competitive environment and promote the orderly deregulation of Hawaii's regulated industries.

(b) The consumer advocate is requested to report findings and recommendations, including any proposed implementing legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the regular session of 2002.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2001-2002, for the consumer advocate to conduct the study as provided in this Act.

SECTION 4. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the consumer advocate for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2001.

INTRODUCED BY:

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