eHALE ENERGY SAVER: HAWAIʻI’S HOME ENERGY REBATE PROGRAM
The Hawaiʻi State Energy Office’s residential energy rebate program is designed to help homeowners and renters save money on energy-efficient appliances and home improvements. The High Electrification and Appliance Rebate pathway (HEAR), available late 2025, and the Whole Home Energy pathway (HOMES) will be fully available for Hawaiʻi residents in 2026.
The funding for these rebate programs is provided by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA). This act provides funding to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for a variety of programs concerning residential efficiency and electrification rebates.
TWO WAYS TO SAVE:
HIGH-EFFICIENCY ELECTRIFICATION AND APPLIANCE REBATES
The High Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) pathway under the IRA provides rebates to Hawaiʻi residents who purchase and install qualified electrification appliances and, or materials. This can include installing Energy Star-certified heat pumps for space heating and cooling, Energy Star-certified heat pump water heaters, electric breaker boxes, electric wiring, and more! The HEAR pathway is completely income-qualified and is designed to help reduce the financial burden of energy efficient appliance upgrades.
EXPECTED LATE 2025
Funding for the High-Efficiency Electrification and Appliance Rebates pathway has been fully awarded to the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office (HSEO). HSEO is working with its program implementer to complete all pre-launch requirements outlined by the DOE to receive final approval to launch and begin accepting applications from Hawaiʻi residents.
WHOLE-HOME EFFICIENCY REBATES
The Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) pathway under the IRA provides performance-based rebates to single-family and multi-family homes in Hawaiʻi. This can include installing efficient equipment, weatherization measures like insulation or air sealing, and more! Home Efficiency Rebate amounts will vary depending on project scope, energy savings, and household income. The HOMES pathway will help reduce the financial burden of whole home energy efficiency improvements.
EXPECTED 2026
HSEO anticipates funding for the Home Efficiency Rebates pathway to be fully awarded in 2026. Upon award, HSEO will work diligently with its program implementer to complete all pre-launch requirements outlined by the DOE to receive final approval to launch and begin accepting applications from Hawaiʻi residents.
For Homeowners and Renters
HEAR PATHWAY
Program Requirements
HEAR pathway eligibility is based entirely on total household income. Rebates are available for household income under 150% Area Median Income (AMI). Only ENERGY STAR certified Projects must be completed by a participating contractor.
What’s Available
- Households with total household income below 80% AMI may qualify for a rebate of up to 100% of the eligible project cost. Households with total household income between 80% and 150% of the AMI may qualify for a rebate of up to 50% of the eligible project cost.
Eligible Projects Include:
1. ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump for space heating and cooling
2. ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump water heater
3. ENERGY STAR-certified electric induction stove, cooktop, range or oven
4. Electrical panel and wiring upgrades
5. Insulation, air sealing and mechanical ventilation products
Categorical income Eligibility
The state will recognize any of the following program documentation to establish categorical household income eligibility:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Head Start
- Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications (Lifeline)
- Food Distribution program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- National School Lunch Program (HIP)
- Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Public Housing (housing owned and operated by Public Housing Authorities)
The following program may qualify depending on size of households and county of residence.
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
HOMES PATHWAY
Program Requirements
HOMES pathway eligibility is based partially on total household income. Retrofits must address one major heating or cooling upgrade. Projects must be completed by a participating contractor.
What’s Available
- Households with total household income below 80% of the AMI may qualify for a rebate of up to 100% of eligible project cost.
- 80% AMI and above may qualify for up to 50% of the eligible project cost
Eligible Projects Include:
- Rebates are available for whole home energy efficiency retrofit projects which must include at least one major upgrade (i.e., energy usage, equipment, technologies, and services related to heating and cooling, envelope, and water heating end uses).
Categorical Income Eligibility
The state will recognize any of the following program documentation to establish categorical household income eligibility:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Head Start
- Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications (Lifeline)
- Food Distribution program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- National School Lunch Program (HIP)
- Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Public Housing (housing owned and operated by Public Housing Authorities)
The following program may qualify depending on size of households and county of residence.
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
For contractors
interested in Becoming a certified contractor for the State energy rebate program?
Contractors must be registered and approved by the program to participate in the programs.
More information will be made available soon!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Need more information? Review our list of commonly asked questions and answers.