Applications open June 15 for discounted ENERGY STAR® refrigerators and freezers
Honolulu, Hawaii – Hawaii Energy, the state’s energy conservation program, has 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, or a 17.3-cubic-foot freezer. Participants can trade in old, working refrigerators or
freezers for new ENERGY STAR® model for as low as $250, representing a savings of more than
65% off retail pricing. Applications open June 15 and close July 24, 2026.
“As electricity costs continue to put pressure on household budgets, improving in energy efficiency
can help families better manage their monthly expenses,” said Caroline Carl, executive director of
Hawaii Energy. “Older refrigerators and freezers are often among the largest energy users in a
home and replacing them with new ENERGY STAR® models can make a meaningful difference.
Through the Appliance Trade-Up Program, we are helping Hilo residents access affordable
upgrades that can deliver long-term savings while supporting Hawaii’s clean energy future.”
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through July 24, 2026, or until
program capacity is reached. Applications and payment must be submitted before participants can
schedule appliance pickup. An appliance exchange day will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on
October 17, 2026, at the Island Movers warehouse located at 612 Kalanianaole St., Hilo, HI
96720.
Hawaii Energy’s Appliance Trade-Up Program has proven to be an effective tool for reducing
energy use across the state. Since 2022, Hawaii Energy has helped over 1,500 households upgrade
inefficient appliances, resulting in more than 11.2 million kilowatt-hours of lifetime savings.
The Hilo Trade-Up 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 PreK12 public charter school in Hilo.
Residents can download an application, review eligibility requirements, and learn more about the
program at HawaiiEnergy.com/HILO. Questions may be directed to HawaiiEnergy@Leidos.com, by calling (808) 537-5577, or toll-free at (877) 231-8222. Applications and FAQs are also available
in Ilokano, Tagalog, Chuukese, and Marshallese.
ABOUT HAWAII ENERGY
Hawaii Energy helps island families and businesses make smart energy choices. We encourage and
reward energy decisions that will allow our state to reach 100% clean energy faster and cheaper.
To date, we have saved the people of Hawaii more than a billion dollars off their energy bills. Let
Hawaii Energy be your trusted energy advisor to help save you money and protect what makes
Hawaii so special. For more information, please visit hawaiienergy.com/about.