Hawaii Energy Increases Refrigerator Rebate

Posted January 23, 2014

Anyone living on Oahu has twice the incentive to recycle their extra refrigerator now that Hawaii Energy’s rebate increased from $25 to $50.

The increase is to encourage residents to give up their energy-hogging, extra refrigerator or freezer. In exchange, Hawaii Energy provides free curb-side pick-up and environmentally-responsible recycling.

Future energy savings is another incentive to give up that old “energy hog.” Refrigerators and freezers built prior to 1993 can be two to three times more expensive to operate than a new ENERGY STAR® model. Taking those old units off the electric grid can save Oahu residents as much as $275* toward their electric bill annually.

“This is really a simple way to finally get rid of that refrigerator you no longer need not only for free but you receive money in return,” explained Caroline Carl, Hawaii Energy’s Residential Program Manager. “Our goal with the increased rebate is to help people save on their electricity and encourage energy efficiency.”

Rather than accept the rebate, residents have the option to generously donate it to the Hawaii Foodbank. Customers simply fill out the application provided by the hauler at the time of the refrigerator pick-up to donate it to the Rid-A-Fridge to Fight Hunger promotion. The $50 donation can provide food for 125 meals on Oahu to those in need. Hunger affects more than 183,000 people in Hawaii; that’s 14 percent of the population.

All Oahu residential electric utility customers are eligible. To qualify for Hawaii Energy’s Bounty Program, refrigerators and freezers must be full-size (at least 14 cubic feet). Refrigerators and freezers must be in working condition.

Hawaii Energy launched its Bounty Program in August 2011. To date, approximately 1,792 refrigerators and freezers have been recycled which keeps them out of landfills. It is estimated that more than 1,532,595 kilowatt hours* (kWh) of electricity and $551,734 in electricity costs have been saved. Recycling ensures that the inefficient units will not be resold or handed down thus continuing to waste energy. Appointments to schedule a pick up can be made by calling (808) 537-5577 on Oahu and toll-free on Maui and Hawaii Island at (877) 231-8222. For more information, visit www.hawaiienergy.com/bounty.

*Actual savings may vary depending on the age and condition of the removed appliance and the electricity rates of each island as of September 2013.