Hawaiʻi Energy launches appliance trade-up program in Hilo

Hawaiʻi Energy, the state’s energy conservation program, launched an appliance trade-up program to help Hilo residents lower energy use and manage rising electricity costs by replacing older, inefficient appliances.

The program is available to residents in the 96720 ZIP code and offers three appliance options:

• A 17.5-cubic-foot refrigerator.
• A 21-cubic-foot refrigerator.
• A 17.3-cubic-foot freezer.

Participants can trade in old, working refrigerators or freezers for new ENERGY STAR models for as low as $250, representing a savings of more than 65% off retail price.

The application period is open through July 24. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis or until program capacity is reached.

“As electricity costs continue to put pressure on household budgets, improving in energy efficiency can help families better manage their monthly expenses,” said Hawaiʻi Energy Executive Director Caroline Carl in an announcement for the new program, adding older refrigerators and freezers often are among the largest energy users in a home. “Through the appliance trade-up program, we are helping Hilo residents access affordable upgrades that can deliver long-term savings while supporting Hawaiʻi’s clean energy future.”

Applications and payment must be submitted before participants schedule appliance pickup. An appliance exchange day is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Island Movers warehouse, located at 612 Kalanianaʻole St., in Hilo.

Hawaiʻi Energy’s appliance trade-up program since 2022 helped more than 1,500 Hawaiʻi households upgrade inefficient appliances, resulting in more than 11.2 million kilowatt-hours of lifetime savings.

The Hilo program is offered in partnership with Hui ʻOhana o Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo, a parent and community organization supporting Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo, a Hawaiian language immersion pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade public charter school in Hilo.

Residents can download an application, review eligibility requirements and learn more about the program at the Hawaiʻi Energy website.

Questions can be directed to HawaiiEnergy@Leidos.com, by calling 808-537-5577 or dialing 877-231-8222 toll-free.

Applications and frequently asked questions are also available in Ilokano, Tagalog, Chuukese and Marshallese.