Hawai‘i Energy has a grant program designed specifically for Hawai‘i businesses experiencing losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, grants may cover up to 100% of total project costs (up to $25,000 per application) of an energy efficiency project. The grant award will be disbursed after project completion after all required documentation has been submitted, verified and approved by Hawai‘i Energy.

APPLICATIONS DUE ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AT 5:00 P.M. HST.

Hawai‘i Energy will disburse $600,000 to nonprofits, small businesses and other qualifying organizations for the first round of this grant program. A second round of funding with an additional $400,000 will open for applications in October 2020 and due on November 30, 2020 (more information will be released in October for this second round). If awarded, Energy Relief Grant funding may be used to cover eligible expenses for a pre-approved energy efficiency project. The grant award will be disbursed after project completion, after all required documentation has been submitted, verified and approved by Hawai‘i Energy. If a grant is not awarded, a qualified project may be eligible for a Hawai‘i Energy rebate. Applicants that do not receive a grant will be directed through Hawai‘i Energy’s rebate process.

Examples of energy efficiency projects include but are not limited to:

• Upgrading to LED lighting and/or adding lighting controls such as occupancy sensors. Examples include:
  • Warehouse high-bays
  • Office lighting
  • Refrigerated case lights
  • Parking lot pole lights
  • Exterior wall packs and flood lighting
• Replacing old, inefficient air conditioning units with high efficiency units
• Changing out aging commercial kitchen equipment with ENERGY STAR® appliances
• Upgrading to a heat pump water heater or solar water heater
• Installing electronically-commutated (EC) motors for refrigeration or conditioned spaces

Eligible Expenses

• New energy efficient equipment that qualifies for a Hawai‘i Energy incentives
• Parts, accessories, and other materials necessary for installation
• Labor for old equipment removal, site preparation, and installation of energy efficiency measure(s)
• Shipping costs for equipment and materials
• Taxes for the above items

Ineligible Expenses

• Used equipment
• Equipment that does not qualify for a Hawai‘i Energy incentive
• Items purchased before July 1, 2020
• Electric vehicle charging stations

See Hawai‘i Energy’s Energy Relief Grant Webpage for full details and to apply.

County of Hawai‘i Department of Research and Development