Honolulu, Hawaii – Hawaii 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.
“Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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.”
Hawaii Energy’s Residential Rebate Program makes it easier for residents to invest in energy-efficient equipment and installations. 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii Energy rebates.
Select equipment and installations, including solar water heating and AC systems, may qualify for additional federal tax credits. Hawaii 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 Hawaii Energy’s website at hawaiienergy.com/rebates.
60 nonprofits were nominated as part of Hawaii Energy’s “Be a Light, Give a Light” Promotion
Honolulu, Hawaii – Hawaii Energy, the state’s Public Benefits Fund administrator that focuses on energy-efficiency education and clean-energy initiatives, has selected Hawaii Island Humane Society, Kalihi-Pālama Health Center, Residential Youth Services Empowerment (RYSE) Hawaii, and Shinshu Kyokai to receive complimentary LED lighting makeovers valued at up to $25,000 each. A total of 60 nonprofits were nominated as part of Hawaii Energy’s “Be a Light, Give a Light” promotion.
“At Hawaii Energy, we understand the financial challenges that many nonprofits face, and we know that every dollar saved on energy costs can be redirected to support their important missions,” said Caroline Carl, executive director at Hawaii Energy. “By offering free lighting upgrades, we hope to help these organizations reduce their energy bills and contribute to a more sustainable future for Hawaii. Mahalo to everyone who submitted their nominations and to our lighting contractors for their continued support.”
Hawaii Island Humane Society – Keaau Shelter
The Hawaii Island Humane Society is a non-profit animal welfare organization that has been serving the Hawaii Island community for 58 years. Its mission is to prevent cruelty to animals, eliminate pet overpopulation, and enhance the bond between humans and animals by offering lifesaving programs and community outreach, including pet adoptions, foster, field trips for shelter dogs, low-cost spay and neuter, community pet pantry, and more.
Kalihi-Pālama Health Center
Kalihi-Palama Health Center is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that plays a crucial role in the Kalihi-Palama community as a provider of health and social services to patients who typically face significant barriers when accessing health care. Its focus is preventative primary health care in a respectful, caring, and culturally appropriate manner, which is provided at seven different sites in the heart of Kalihi-Pālama.
RYSE Hawaii
RYSE Hawaii is a non-profit organization founded in 2018 that services opportunity youth in Hawaii, through empowerment and personalized support. Youth, ages 14-24, are welcome for drop-in services from 8am – 8pm at the access center, seven days a week, and have access to safe and temporary living spaces. RYSE offers a comprehensive range of services, including counseling and mentoring, education and life skills training, and case management and advocacy.
Shinshu Kyokai Mission – Church and Dormitory
Shinshu Kyokai Mission of Hawaii is a Jodo Shinshu (Japanese Pure Land) Buddhist temple founded in 1914. For over a century, Shinshu Kyokai served as a social, cultural, spiritual, and community center in the Honolulu area. The Mission established a dormitory in 1961 to meet student housing needs for those attending higher education in Honolulu, and currently offers housing to students from the University of Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific University, Kapi‘olani Community College and others.
“We look forward to connecting these four organizations with our lighting contractors to start the makeover process, beginning with a site visit and audit of their facilities,” added Carl.
Hawaii Energy launched the “Be a Light, Give a Light” promotion in April 2023 and invited the general public to nominate a deserving nonprofit for an LED lighting makeover, by filling out a short questionnaire, including a short description about the facility and current lighting needs. The winners were chosen based on financial need and potential energy savings impact.
For more information about Hawaii Energy’s ongoing nonprofit programs, visit hawaiienergy.com/energyadvantage.