Energy efficiency bill awaits Gov. David Ige’s signature

Hawaii legislators have passed a bill establishing energy efficiency standards for state appliances that go beyond federal requirements.

House Bill 556 Opens in a new tab, introduced by state Rep. Nicole Lowen, is expected to save Hawaii residents and business up to $537 million in cumulative utility bill savings over 15 years. If signed into law by Gov. David Ige, Hawaii would join several other states with the standards, including California, Colorado and Washington.

The bill establishes energy and water efficiency standards for five products not currently covered at the federal level, including computers and computer monitors, faucets, showerheads, sprinklers and certain fluorescent lamps.