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HONOLULU, Hawaii - In a groundbreaking move, the Hawaii Public Utility Commission (PUC) has proposed a series of major changes to the state's utility laws aimed at modernizing the energy sector and promoting renewable energy usage.The proposed changes, released on February 6, 2026, are part of the PUC's ongoing efforts to support Hawaii's goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045. Among the key provisions in the proposal are new regulations to incentivize the adoption of solar and other renewable energy sources, as well as measures to promote energy efficiency and grid modernization.One of the most significant changes outlined in the proposal is the establishment of a new Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (REPS) that would require utilities to generate at least 70% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2030. This represents a significant increase from the current standard of 30%.In addition, the PUC is looking to streamline the process for homeowners and businesses to install solar panels and other distributed energy resources. The proposed changes would make it easier for customers to connect their systems to the grid and sell excess energy back to the utilities.Another key aspect of the proposal is the introduction of performance-based regulation, which would incentivize utilities to improve their performance and customer service by linking financial rewards to specific targets and outcomes. This shift away from traditional cost-of-service regulation is intended to encourage utilities to become more efficient and innovative in their operations.The proposed changes have already generated significant interest and debate among stakeholders, with proponents praising the PUC's efforts to promote renewable energy and combat climate change, while critics raise concerns about potential cost impacts on ratepayers and the overall reliability of the energy grid.The PUC is inviting public comments on the proposed changes and plans to hold a series of hearings to gather feedback from stakeholders before finalizing the new regulations. If approved, the new rules are expected to take effect later this year, marking a significant step forward in Hawaii's transition to a clean and sustainable energy future.