Hawaii Energy recently announced the dates for the application period for its 2023-2024 EmPOWER Grant program, designed to help local businesses reduce their energy usage and operating costs.
Organizations may apply for a grant of up to $6,000. Applications will be available beginning Aug. 1 and must be submitted by Sept. 29, according to the announcement.
“Our local nonprofits, small businesses and restaurants often face more challenges with implementing energy-saving measures that can help them reduce their carbon footprint, and ultimately, save money on operational expenses,” Caroline Carl, executive director of Hawaii Energy, said in a statement. “We are excited this year to offer more than $700,000 to help more applicants fund more energy-efficiency upgrades and be able to start saving quickly."
Funding may be used to cover expenses including new energy-efficient equipment; parts, accessories and materials necessary for installation; labor for old equipment removal; shipping costs for equipment and materials; and more, according to Hawaii Energy.
To be eligible, applicants must be a commercial rate schedule account holder of an electric utility on Hawaii Island, Lanai, Maui, Molokai or Oahu. Businesses must also either be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, a small business with electric rate schedule “G," a small business with a less than 5,000-square-foot facility, or a restaurant. Applicants must also complete the installation with one of Hawaii Energy’s participating Clean Energy Ally contractors, according to the announcement.
When reviewing applications, preference will be given to organizations that serve ALICE (asset-limited, income-constrained, employed) populations, rural or hard-to-reach communities, as well as organizations that have not participated before.
Hawaii Energy has distributed more than $3.5 million to more than 300 businesses through the program since 2020, according to the announcement.
For more information on the EmPOWER Grant program, visit Hawaii Energy's website.
