Hawaiʻi Energy Kits Can Save Up to $160 in Annual Energy Costs

Hawaiʻi Energy kits can save up to $160 in annual energy costs. Courtesy image.

By Maui Now Staff

Hawaiʻi Energy launched a new program offering free and low-cost home energy-saving kits that give residential electric customers the opportunity to reduce their annual energy costs by up to $160.

The ratepayer-funded energy conservation and efficiency program for Hawaiʻi, Honolulu and Maui counties is offering a free kit (valued at $25) that includes: one ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent light (CFL), one ENERGY STAR light-emitting diode (LED), one high-efficiency shower head and one faucet aerator.

The advanced kit (valued at $39) costs $10 and includes two LEDs and one seven-plug advanced power strip.

A four-person family with electric water heating can save an estimated 358 kilowatt hours (kWh) or $115 annually with the free kit and 143 kWh or $46 annually with the advanced kit based on $0.32/kWh.

To request or purchase a kit, go online.

Kits are available to residential electric utility customers in Hawaiʻi, Honolulu and Maui counties only. Each household is limited to one free kit and one advanced kit. Kits are shipped via standard US mail and arrive within four to six weeks.

Each of the items in the kit are easy to install and do not require professional installation.

The kits and shipping are substantially subsidized by Hawaiʻi Energy to encourage customers to take advantage of this offer, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis and while supplies last.

“After much planning and development, we are excited to offer two energy-saving kits– one free and one very affordable–so that energy-efficient items are accessible to more residents to help them save on their electric bills,” said Caroline Carl, residential and transformational program director for Hawaiʻi Energy. “The kits provide great value and are easy to install, so you can begin saving immediately.”

In the free kit, the high-efficiency showerhead and faucet aerator are designed to save water and energy without reducing water pressure. The showerhead distributes approximately 1.5 gallons of water per minute–about 40 percent less than traditional showerheads.

The faucet aerator distributes approximately one gallon of water per minute–about 50 percent less than a faucet without an aerator.

The CFLs and/or LEDs use approximately 75 percent less energy to produce the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb and lasts about 10 times longer.

Advanced power strips prevent electronic devices from drawing power when they are turned off or not in use (phantom load) and can be programmed to shut down power at a designated time.

For more information, call (808) 537-5577 or toll-free on the Neighbor Islands at (877) 231-8222.

For more information about Hawaiʻi Energy, go online.