Grants up to $9,000 will be available to help nonprofits, small businesses, and restaurants reduce energy costs and invest in long-term savings
Honolulu, Hawai‘i – Hawaiʻi Energy, the state’s energy conservation program, today announced the upcoming launch of its 2025-2026 EmPOWER Grant Program, inviting local nonprofits, small businesses, and restaurants to apply for financial support to make energy-efficient upgrades that lower utility bills and boost operational resilience. Grants of up to $9,000 will be available for qualifying projects, potentially covering up to 100% of project costs. Applications open Aug. 1, 2025 and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until program funding is exhausted.
“Energy efficiency is a practical way for businesses to lower overhead, improve cash flow, and reinvest in what matters most, whether that is staffing, operations or growth,” said Caroline Carl, executive director of Hawai‘i Energy. “Amid ongoing shifts in national energy policy and growing financial pressure, dependable solutions like energy efficiency are more important than ever. The EmPOWER Grant Program offers measurable savings that can help local businesses reduce costs, strengthen operations, and build long-term resilience.”
Since 2020, the EmPOWER Grant Program has awarded more than $6 million to nearly 1,300 projects, translating into more than $16 million in lifetime electricity bill savings. Last year alone, the program helped fund more than 300 projects that are expected to save nearly $2 million in lifetime bill savings.
Eligible projects in Maui County and Hawaiʻi Island can receive up to $9,000 per project. Eligible projects on Oʻahu can receive up to $6,000 per project. Grants can cover up to 100% of qualifying costs, including installation, equipment, labor, shipping, and removal of old systems. Eligible upgrades range from ENERGY STAR commercial kitchen appliances to HVAC systems, window films, cool roofs, high-efficiency condensing units, heat pump and solar water heaters, and more.
Applicants may be eligible for the EmPOWER Grant if they are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, small business, or restaurant. An informational webinar will be held on Wednesday, July 30 at 11 a.m. Interested applicants can click here to register for the webinar.
For more information, including a full list of eligible equipment, application details, and FAQs, please visit hawaiienergy.com/grant. Applications must be submitted to HE-Grants@Leidos.com.
ABOUT HAWAI‘I ENERGY
Hawai‘i 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 Hawai‘i more than a billion dollars off their energy bills. Let Hawai‘i Energy be your trusted energy advisor to help save you money and protect what makes Hawai‘i so special. For more information, please visit hawaiienergy.com/about.