Payment Assistance Programs
If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, several programs are available to help Hawai’i households manage utility costs.
Payment Assistance Programs
There are several external programs and non-profits which you can contact to get more information and support. Programs such as the Aloha United Way and H-Heap, as well as island specific community programs. can provide valuable guidance and support. Learn more about these programs by following this link.
State and County-Level Programs
Green Energy Money $aver (GEM$) On-Bill Program
The Green Energy Money $aver (GEM$) On-Bill Program, of the State of Hawai‘i’s Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, provides financing for energy efficiency and solar systems. Financing is available to eligible homeowners, renters, small business owners, nonprofit organizations, commercial tenants, and state agencies.
Kauai Economic Opportunity (KEO) Low Income Assistance Program
KEO has partnered with the KIUC Charitable Foundation to provide low-income residents of Kauai with one-time credit assistance on their energy utility bill. This program is only available once every 12 months.
City and County of Honolulu’s Rehabilitation Loan Program
The City and County of Honolulu offers a Rehabilitation Loan Program that makes low-interest loans to income-eligible, owner-occupant homeowners interested in repairing their properties. The loan can be used to repair deteriorated and hazardous conditions on the property, including leaky roofs, termite damage, and faulty electrical wiring. These repairs can make damaged rooftops solar-ready. Energy saving systems such as solar water heating and solar PV systems, excluding battery storage, are also eligible for installation.
Maui Solar Water Heating Financing
Hawaiian Electric, in partnership with the County of Maui, offers an interest-free financing program for solar water heaters. This program may be combined with Hawaiʻi Energy’s $1,000 solar water rebate, in addition to some qualifying state and federal tax credits, making solar water heaters even more affordable to interested residents. The program is open to all Maui County residents, regardless of income, as long as they have a 12-month history of good payment and their home is occupied year-round as a primary domestic residence.
Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) Solar Water Heater Loan Program
KIUC partners with Gather Federal Credit Union to offer interest-free loans to customers interested in changing their existing electric water heater for a solar water heating system. This program can also replace an existing non-functional solar water heater. Participants will only be required to pay the principal on the loan over five years, while KIUC pays the interest on the loan. KIUC also offers a $1,500 rebate on the new solar water heater.