What We Do
The Hawaiʻi State Energy Office (HSEO) promotes energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation to help achieve a resilient clean energy economy. HSEO’s primary roles and activities are set forth in Sections 196-71 and 196-72, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes: to provide analysis and planning to develop and inform policies that achieve state energy and decarbonization goals with the Legislature, Public Utilities Commission, state agencies, and other relevant stakeholders; to lead efforts to reduce costs and achieve clean energy goals across all public facilities; to provide project deployment facilitation to assist private sector project completion when aligned with state energy goals; and to engage the private sector to help lead efforts to achieve these goals through the Hawaiʻi Clean Energy Initiative.
Energy Landscape
Hawai‘i’s people and economy rely on the constant availability of energy. Today, these needs are met with an increasingly cleaner combination of energy sources. By 2045, Hawai‘i expects all of its energy needs to be met with renewable sources.
Clean Energy Vision
Hawai‘i is undergoing a major transformation to move from a state that has been almost completely reliant on imported fossil fuels to one that is powered by clean renewable energy. Beginning in the late 1990s and early 2000s, state leaders began setting big, first-of-their-kind goals to change the course of energy production and delivery. Hawai‘i was the first state to commit to 100% clean renewable energy for electricity, to a net-negative emissions goal, to the Paris Agreement in law and to do our part based on the science and Hawai‘i’s share of the nation’s emissions. Hawai‘i is focusing on high-impact actions and leading by example.
Energy Assurance & Resilience
HSEO leads the state government’s effort to maintain secure and reliable energy infrastructure and supply in the contemporary energy environment. As the primary and coordinating agency for energy, HSEO works closely with government and industry emergency management and security partners to prepare for, and respond to, all threats that could impact Hawai‘i’s energy systems.
Energy Efficiency
Hawai‘i’s overall goal for energy efficiency is to reduce electricity consumption by 4,300 gigawatt-hours by 2030. To meet this goal, the state will continue to align the efficiency regulatory policy framework with clean energy goals; support the retrofitting of existing residential and commercial buildings; strengthen new construction policies and building codes; and identify non-building related energy efficiency measures. Looking ahead, there are vast opportunities for new gains in energy efficiency. Hawai‘i aims to maximize efficiency through technology, building practices, retrofits, and consumer behavioral change.
Financial Assistance and Grants
Energy costs can be overwhelming for families in any economy. Identifying and pursuing financial assistance opportunities may help to reduce the stress of energy utility bill burdens. For more information, read through this page and click on the assistance topic best suited to your current needs.
Work With HSEO
The Hawai‘i State Energy Office works with other service providers on projects and programs to enable a resilient, clean economy. Click on the link below to find active solicitations for providers of professional services and other bidding opportunities.