Hawaiʻi Energy distributes 182 energy-efficient appliances to Big Island households

Hawaiʻi Energy recently completed a series of appliance trade-up distribution events in several communities on Hawaiʻi Island, providing a total of 182 energy-efficient refrigerators and freezers to local households.

The events were conducted in February in Hilo, which was in partnership with Hui ʻOhana o Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo, followed by events March 28 in Pāhala and April 4 in Nā‘ālehu, both in partnership with Recycle Hawaiʻi.

“Replacing an older refrigerator or freezer can significantly lower a household’s energy use, but the upfront cost is not always manageable,” said Hawaiʻi Energy Executive Director Caroline Carl in a release about the trade-up program. “By bringing our Appliance Trade-Up Program directly to Hawaiʻi Island residents, we are removing financial and logistical barriers to upgrading inefficient appliances.”

Carl added that newer model refrigerators can use substantially less electricity than aging units, helping households reduce monthly energy use and improve appliance reliability.

Eligible residents were invited to trade in a working refrigerator or freezer for a new energy-efficient ENERGY STAR model for as low as $250.

Participants were required to turn in an operational unit, ensuring older, inefficient appliances are permanently removed from service and responsibly recycled.

The 182 energy-efficient refrigerators and freezers distributed on Hawaiʻi Island this year are expected to generate an estimated 133,690 kilowatt-hours in annual energy savings.

Facts and stats

• More than 60 million refrigerators and freezers in the United States are more than 10 years old, costing consumers $4.4 billion a year in energy costs
• That second older refrigerator can cost $1,000 per year to run depending on size and age.
• Getting rid of inefficient appliances has environmental benefits, too; recycling one fridge/freezer can prevent up to 10,000 pounds of carbon pollution from being released.

Hawaiʻi Energy’s Appliance Trade-Up Program since 2022 helped more than 1,200 households statewide upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, resulting in more than 8 million kilowatt-hours in projected lifetime energy savings.

Visit the Hawaiʻi Energy website for additional information.