Hawai‘i Energy Commemorates October as Energy Awareness Month

Windmills above Kaheawa on Maui. File photo by Wendy Osher.

Hawai‘i Energy joins the national effort to spotlight the importance of improving energy efficiency and conservation by commemorating October as National Energy Awareness Month.

The effort urges the public to take further steps toward saving energy and developing habits to reduce energy consumption.

So far in 2016, Hawaii Energy reports it has saved customers in Hawaiʻi, Honolulu and Maui Counties more than $21 million on electric bills.

Hawaiʻi is also recognized for its efforts in establishing the Clean Energy Initiative, which sets a goal of achieving 100% clean energy use by 2045.

“We can all make a difference in our daily lives. Most families want to do the right thing. But sometimes, it’s just a matter of having a clear understanding of how to make smart energy choices,” said Brian Kealoha, Hawaiʻi Energy Executive Director.

“On a personal level, people understand that developing good habits helps lower their energy bill. But on a larger scale, since we are an island state and our economy is dependent on our visitor industry, protecting our environment and our natural resources must be a top priority, particularly when we look at the effects of climate change around the globe. Energy Awareness Month helps our island community realize that there’s more at stake than just reaching our 100% clean energy goal,” said Kealoha.

In conjunction with October being celebrated as Energy Awareness Month, Governor David Ige has proclaimed Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, as Energy Efficiency Day in Hawaiʻi. While developing renewable energy sources is critical for Hawaiʻi to reach its clean energy goals, they can only be achieved by increasing energy savings.