FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 30, 2019
Hawai‘i Energy and Ulupono Initiative Launch Incentive for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
HONOLULU — Hawai‘i Energy and Ulupono Initiative are partnering to offer a limited-time incentive for installing or upgrading electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at workplaces and multi-unit dwellings.
The rebate is intended to empower Hawai‘i’s businesses and their employees to help the state reach its clean transportation goals by meeting an increasing demand for daytime charging options for more than 8,300 registered EVs across the islands.
Eligible workplaces or multi-unit residential dwellings in Honolulu, Maui and Hawai‘i counties can receive rebates of $5,000 each for each new installation and $1,500 each for retrofitting from single- to dual-port level 2 EV charging stations with network connectivity. Usage of the stations must be designated for the building’s business employees, tenants and/or authorized guests, and cannot be intended for fleet charging, general public charging, or private individually owned parking spots. Rebates must be claimed by June 30, 2019, or while funding lasts.
“As our Hawai‘i Energy programs continue to evolve to meet our state’s clean energy and carbon neutral goals, we are pleased to offer this exciting rebate to help businesses and their employees to be able to charge their EVs at work rather than just at home or at retail outlets,” said Brian Kealoha, executive director of Hawai‘i Energy. “When paired with energy efficiency, businesses can mitigate any increased energy usage from the EV chargers and avoid costly electrical infrastructure upgrades. We encourage all interested commercial building owners, managers and even tenants to contact us and see whether they’re eligible to participate.”
According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities “Plug-In Electric Vehicle Handbook for Public Charging Station Hosts” (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/pdfs/51227.pdf). level 2 charging adds about 10 to 20 miles of range to a plug-in electric vehicle per hour of charging time. The presence of charging stations could add value to the residences and entice environmentally conscious buyers.
“Despite the high appeal and positive benefits of EVs, such as saving drivers money and no emissions, many drivers still have concerns about how and where to charge their vehicles,” said Greg Gaug, vice president of investments for Ulupono Initiative. “Through this rebate, we are helping to address frustrations about the lack of sufficient charging stations overall and specifically at the workplace and multi-unit dwellings, such as condos and apartments. By having more charging options available in more places, we’re hoping to make it easier for people to choose an EV as their next vehicle.”
All applicants must at least:
- be a commercial customer of the Hawaiian Electric family of utilities (HECO, HELCO, and MECO) and the owner and/or landlord of a workplace or multi-unit dwelling in the City and County of Honolulu, Hawai‘i County or Maui County;
- have the legal authority to install a charging station in the designated parking area; and
- purchase and install the charging station by June 30, 2019.
An evaluation of the EV public infrastructure in 2017 showed that, while Hawai‘i is considered a leader in the nation, demand by EV drivers is outpacing the supply of EV chargers. The current law that requires at least one EV charger at public lots with 100 or more parking stalls has helped with a number of locations taking the lead and installing EV charging stations.
According to the Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism’s “Monthly Energy Trend Highlights” report published in December 2018, the number of passenger EVs in the State of Hawai‘i was 8,331 in December, an increase of 1,644 vehicles (24.6 percent) from the same month the previous year.
For more information this rebate program, including additional eligibility requirements, visit http://hawaiienergy.com/evcharging.
About Hawaii Energy
Hawai‘i Energy helps island families and businesses make smart energy choices. Hawai‘i Energy encourages and rewards energy decisions that will allow our state to reach 100 percent clean energy faster and cheaper. To date, we have saved the people of Hawai‘i more than a billion dollars off their energy bills. Let Hawai‘i Energy be your trusted energy advisor to help save you money and protect what makes Hawai‘i so special. For more information, please visit www.hawaiienergy.com.
About Ulupono Initiative
Ulupono Initiative is a for-profit, impact investment firm that strives to improve the quality of life for the people of Hawai‘i by working toward solutions that create more locally grown food, increase clean renewable energy and better management of waste and water. For more information about Ulupono Initiative, please visit ulupono.com or connect with Ulupono on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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