Hawai‘i Energy launches new residential rebates in time for summer

Hawaiʻi Energy, the state’s Public Benefits Fund administrator that focuses on energy-efficiency education and clean-energy initiatives, has launched new rebates for residents looking to lower their energy bills by investing in energy-efficient appliances and installations, including cooling equipment like air conditioning, whole house fans, pool pumps and more. The rebates are available as funds last, from now until June 30, 2024.

“Hawaiʻi Energy is pleased to announce our new residential rebates, aimed at helping residents save money on their energy bills while also reducing their carbon footprint,” said Caroline Carl, executive director at Hawaiʻi Energy. “We encourage all residents to consider these rebates, especially during the summer months when energy usage tends to spike by an average of 18%. Together, we can make a positive impact on the environment while keeping our homes cool and comfortable.”

New rebates include:

• Solar – up to $1,000
  • Earn rebates for installing a new solar water heating system and maintenance, including:
  • Solar Water Heating: $1,000
  • Solar PV Water Heater: $1,000
  • Solar Interest Buy-Down (payee is the bank): $1,000
  • Solar Water Heater Tune Up: $200
    
• Air Conditioning (AC) – up to $1,000
  • Earn rebates for purchasing ENERGY STAR® or other efficiently-rated air conditioning systems, including:
  • Central AC Retrofit: $1,000
  • Residential mini-split AC Install: from $300 – $450
  • Residential AC Tune Up: $75
  • Window AC: $25 instant rebate at Lowes and Home Depot for standard models; $45 instant rebate at Home Depot for dual-inverter
    
• Heat Pump Water Heater – $500
  • Instant rebate given at the point of purchase from one of Hawai‘i Energy’s participating retail locations.
    
• Refrigerator Trade-Up – $250
  • Earn $250 toward the purchase of a new ENERGY STAR® refrigerator when trading in an old, working model.
    
• Pool Pump – $150
  • Rebate given for the purchase and install of a new, ENERGY STAR® pool pump with a variable frequency drive (VFD).
    
• Whole House Fan – $100
  • Rebate given for the purchase of a qualifying model. Whole house fans use up to 90% less energy than central AC.
    
• Solar Attic Fan – $75
  • Rebate given for the purchase of a qualifying model. A solar attic fan is similar to a whole house fan except it’s powered by the sun.
    
• “Rid-A-Fridge” Recycling – $75
  • Earn cool cash just for getting rid of an old working refrigerator or freezer, no purchase necessary. Free haul-away and recycling included. Cannot be combined with Trade-Up offer.

Rebates are available to residential electric utility ratepayers on Hawaiʻi Island, Lāna‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i and O‘ahu only. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability of funds. Kaua‘i residents are serviced by a utility cooperative and therefore not eligible for Hawai‘i Energy rebates.

Select equipment and installations, including solar water heating and AC systems, may qualify for additional federal tax credits. Hawaiʻi Energy encourages residents to contact their tax professional for details on how to apply.

Businesses are also eligible for thousands of dollars in rebates for items like commercial kitchen equipment, LED lighting, and electric vehicle charging stations.

For more information or for a full list of rebates and services, visit Hawai‘i Energy’s website at hawaiienergy.com/rebates.