Hawai‘i Energy Launches New Incentive Offerings

On Tuesday, July 10, 2018, Hawai‘i Energy announced several new programs to help Hawai‘i’s families and businesses save energy, save money and pursue a 100% clean energy future.  One of the highlights is the unveiling of the EmPOWER Hawai‘i Project. Through this program, Hawai‘i Energy will provide specialized financial support, energy data analysis, and educational outreach to nonprofit organizations, guiding them through the steps needed to become more energy efficient and help them save money.

“We are proud of the creation of the EmPOWER Hawai‘i Project,” said Brian Kealoha, Hawai‘i Energy Executive Director. “For years, Hawai‘i Energy has assisted island nonprofit organizations on a case-by-case basis. This program year, we’ve established a formalized program where these generous, community-focused organizations can receive assistance that will allow them to redirect the money they’ll save and utilize it towards fulfilling their missions.”

“The idea behind this key program is to empower island nonprofits by helping them become even more cost-effective in their energy use,” said Shayna Doi, Hawai‘i Energy Marketing and Communications Manager. “We encourage all nonprofit organizations to contact us and see whether they’re eligible to participate. We wanted to help nonprofit organizations beyond just changing out their lighting. We wanted to do more for the people that do so much for our community.”

From promoting food sustainability, to helping troubled youth, to providing child care, nonprofit organizations in Hawai‘i address numerous community needs. In addition to high demands, these organizations typically operate within limited budgets and struggle with ever-changing operating costs. As a result, they miss out on the significant benefits energy efficiency can provide.

The EmPOWER Hawai‘i Project will work closely with up to five qualifying nonprofit organizations, providing them not only with resources to purchase and install energy-efficient equipment that’ll cut their electricity costs, but equipping them with practical knowledge to sustain their operations for years to come. Candidate applications are due August 8.

Helping Hawai‘i Households

Hawai‘i Energy is also upping the ante on its offers to residential customers, increasing rebates for the following:

• Solar water heating program now features a rebate of $750, up from $500—This program provides incentives to trade allies and customers to facilitate the purchase and installation of solar water heating technologies, which can save an average household up to 40% on their electric bill.
• AC Tune-Ups rebate has increased to $100, up from $75—This program includes the completion of a multipoint tune-up checklist for both indoor and outdoor central and split air conditioning units.
• Rid-A-Fridge program rebate is $75, up from $65—This program encourages homeowners and renters to get rid of their second refrigerator or freezer, saving them hundreds of dollars per year on their electric bill.

Residents of O‘ahu, Maui County and Hawai‘i island can take advantage of these offers, getting more money back for making smart energy choices.

Boosting Island Businesses

While Hawai‘i Energy will continue to maintain its full array of programs and services aimed at boosting efforts by island businesses to save money by saving energy, this year will also see a marked expansion of its Continuous Energy Improvement (CEI) program, a focused effort under Strategic Energy Management (SEM). The program creates cohorts of Hawai‘i businesses to provide them with the necessary education and tools to improve their companies’ energy performance.

CEI is a long-term approach to energy efficiency that includes setting goals, tracking progress, and reporting results. CEI allows for continuous energy performance improvement by providing the processes and systems needed to incorporate energy considerations and energy management into daily operations.  This holistic approach will allow for synergy between businesses, allowing them to meet their organization’s energy benchmarks and contribute to the state’s 100% clean energy goal through sustained long-term change.  Current participating organizations include Hyatt Place, Maui Divers Jewelry, the County of Hawai‘i and various educational institutions, with the program looking to expand further in this upcoming program year.

For more information on Hawai‘i Energy programs, please visit online.

Interested nonprofit organizations can apply for the EmPOWER Hawai‘i Project online.