Grants up to $9,000 Now Available for Nonprofits, Small Businesses, and Restaurants
Hawaii Energy, the state’s energy conservation program, today announced that applications for its 2024-2025 EmPOWER Grant program are now open. Originally launched in 2020, the program is designed to assist local nonprofits, small businesses, and restaurants in achieving significant energy efficiency improvements and cost savings. Grants of up to $9,000 are available for qualifying projects, potentially covering up to 100% of project costs. The application period will remain open until December 1, 2024, or until funds are exhausted.
“Using energy-efficient equipment is a powerful way for local organizations to cut operational costs and enhance their sustainability efforts,” said Caroline Carl, executive director of Hawaii Energy. “Last year alone, we were able to fund more than 200 projects that are projected to save grantees more than $1.5 million off their electric bills throughout the lifetime of the installed equipment. On average, applicants have saved $1,000 annually on their energy bills, and we are eager to continue this trend of impactful savings.”
Eligible projects in Maui County and Hawaii Island can now receive up to $9,000 per project. Eligible projects on Oʻahu can receive up to $6,000 per project. Examples of what EmPOWER Grant funding may be used to cover include, but is not limited to, the following equipment:
- Air conditioners and other HVAC system upgrades
- Solar water heaters
- Commercial kitchen equipment
- Window films/tinting
A full list of qualifying equipment is available at HawaiiEnergy.com/empower. Installation-related costs, including labor, shipping of required parts and accessories, and old equipment removal are also covered under the grant award. No purchases are required to apply.
To be eligible for the EmPOWER Grant, applicants must be a commercial utility account holder on the island of Hawaii, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, or Oahu and be one of the following:
- 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
- Small businesses with electric rate Schedule “G”
- Small business with less than 5,000 sq. ft. facility
- Restaurant
Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for fully-completed applications. Selected applicants will receive grant funding as reimbursement upon verification of project completion.
Since the grant program’s inception in 2020, Hawaii Energy has distributed more than $5 million to more than 450 local organizations, including Zippy’s, Hawaii Theatre Center, the Salvation Army, and Take’s Variety Store on Molokai.
For more information, including a full list of eligible equipment, application details, and FAQs, please visit HawaiiEnergy.com/empower. Applications must be submitted to HE-Grants@Leidos.com.