Hawaii PUC Approves Extensions of Electric Bus and EV Charging Pilot Programs
Summary
The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission approved Hawaiian Electric's requests to extend two transportation electrification pilot programs. The Charge Up eBus Pilot received a 12-month extension through December 31, 2027, to address delays in permitting, material procurement, and construction. The EV Tariffs Pilot was extended through June 30, 2027, with the commission requiring Hawaiian Electric to file an application for successor tariffs by June 30, 2026. The commission found that both extensions support continued participation without increasing costs or impacting customer rates.
“The commission approved a 12-month extension of the eBus Pilot through December 31, 2027, to allow additional time for project completion due to delays related to permitting, material procurement, and construction.”
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What changed
The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission extended two existing transportation electrification pilot programs operated by Hawaiian Electric. The Charge Up eBus Pilot received a 12-month extension through December 31, 2027, to allow additional time for project completion affected by permitting, material procurement, and construction delays. The EV Tariffs Pilot was extended through June 30, 2027, though the commission rejected Hawaiian Electric's request for an indefinite extension and instead required the company to file an application for successor tariffs by June 30, 2026. The commission also directed Hawaiian Electric to submit separate filings for individual pilot modification requests to improve transparency and support timely review.\n\nFor transportation companies and fleet operators considering electric bus adoption, the extensions provide continued access to make-ready electrical infrastructure at no cost under the eBus Pilot and stable time-of-use EV charging rates under the EV Tariffs Pilot. Hawaiian Electric and other stakeholder participants in these pilots should note the June 30, 2026 deadline for successor tariff applications and prepare accordingly to ensure rate continuity for existing participants.
Archived snapshot
Apr 24, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Home » Latest Department News, Newsroom » PRESS RELEASE: Public Utilities Commission Approves Extensions of Electric Bus and EV Charging Pilot Programs
PRESS RELEASE: Public Utilities Commission Approves Extensions of Electric Bus and EV Charging Pilot Programs
Posted on Apr 23, 2026 in Latest Department News, Newsroom STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI
JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA
NADINE Y. ANDO
DIRECTOR
KA LUNA HOʻOKELE
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
JON S. ITOMURA
CHAIR
PUC APPROVES EXTENSIONS OF ELECTRIC BUS AND EV CHARGING PILOT PROGRAMS
Supports Transportation Electrification While Maintaining Oversight and Cost Stability
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2026
HONOLULU – The Public Utilities Commission approved Hawaiian Electric’s requests to extend its Charge Up eBus Pilot and EV-J and EV-P Tariffs Pilot, with modifications, to support continued progress in transportation electrification and grid efficiency.
The Charge Up eBus Pilot provides make-ready electrical infrastructure at no cost to support electric bus charging at customer sites, helping to reduce upfront costs and encourage adoption of electric buses. The EV Tariffs Pilot establishes time-of-use rates that encourage electric vehicle charging during mid-day hours when renewable energy is more available and system costs are lower.
The commission approved a 12-month extension of the eBus Pilot through December 31, 2027, to allow additional time for project completion due to delays related to permitting, material procurement, and construction. The commission found that the extension supports the pilot’s objectives and does not increase costs beyond the previously approved budget.
The commission also approved an extension of the EV Tariffs Pilot through June 30, 2027. While Hawaiian Electric requested an indefinite extension, the commission determined that a defined timeline was appropriate and required the company to file an application for successor tariffs by June 30, 2026. This requirement is intended to ensure continuity for existing participants while new rates are reviewed and considered.
The commission found that extending the EV Tariffs Pilot will allow continued participation without interruption and will not result in cost recovery through the pilot process or impact customer rates.
In addition, the commission provided further guidance on the pilot process, requiring Hawaiian Electric to submit separate filings for individual pilot modification requests to improve transparency and support timely review.
This action reflects the commission’s continued oversight of pilot programs to support innovation while ensuring accountability, regulatory clarity, and alignment with Hawaiʻi’s clean energy goals.
The decision and order is available here.
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