News Release: October 15, 2020
Hawaii Energy Helps Local Nonprofits Reduce Operating Costs
Application period for the 2020-2021 EmPOWER Hawaii Project is from Oct. 9 – Nov. 13
Honolulu, Hawaii – Hawaii Energy today announced that applications for its 2020-2021 EmPOWER Hawaii Project are now available. The EmPOWER Hawaii Project was launched by Hawaii Energy in 2018 to help local nonprofits implement energy efficiency projects by providing increased incentives and elevated technical assistance to help organizations save energy and reduce their operating costs. To date, 12 local nonprofits have participated in the program. The application period for the 2020-2021 EmPOWER Hawaii cohort is open now until Nov. 13, 2020.
“For more than a decade, Hawaii Energy has been helping local businesses by making energy efficiency more accessible and affordable. Through the EmPOWER Hawaii Project, local nonprofits have been able to reduce their energy consumption by over 249,000 kilowatt-hours and save more than $56,000 off their electricity bills,” said Brian Kealoha, executive director of Hawaii Energy. “Nonprofits work with limited budgets and high operating costs, and on top of that, are now dealing with the devastating effects of the pandemic. By providing significantly discounted energy efficiency upgrades, our goal is to help nonprofits save on their electric bills so they can continue to support their important missions.”
Hawaii Energy will select ten (10) qualified organizations to participate in the 2020-2021 EmPOWER Hawaii Project cohort. The program is designed to help organizations in three key areas:
- Education – Training sessions to equip nonprofit facility managers and decision-makers with best practice methods and technical advice.
- Energy Data and Reporting – Facility equipment survey, energy load profile analysis and electricity bill analysis.
- Financial Support – Access to significantly discounted equipment, materials and labor through Hawaii Energy’s network of installation contractors.
Upon selection, Hawaii Energy will complete an equipment survey of each participating facility, identify opportunities for energy-saving projects, and will assist with project execution from start to finish. Over the course of a 10-12 month period, Hawaii Energy will provide technical assistance, including virtual sessions on topics such as Understanding Your Bill, Efficiency vs. Renewable Energy, Contractor 101, Financing, Pitching to Your Leadership, Encouraging Energy- Efficient Behaviors in Your Workplace, and more.
Eligible applicants must possess tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) status; be in operation for at least three years; have the authority to make capital improvements at their facility, or in best cases, own the facility; demonstrate ability to provide high-quality services and community impact; and be willing to commit at least 20 hours of time over the next year to the project. Applicants interested in more information regarding the program are welcome to join an Information Session hosted by Hawaii Energy on Oct. 27 at 12 p.m. via online platform. To register, visit eventbrite.com/e/empower-hawaii-project-info-session-tickets-125097635395.
The deadline to apply for Hawaii Energy’s 2020-2021 EmPOWER Hawaii Project is Nov. 13, 2020. To learn more or to apply, please visit hawaiienergy.com/nonprofit or call (808) 848-8554.
About Hawaii Energy
Hawaii Energy helps island families and businesses make smart energy choices. We encourage and reward energy decisions that will allow our state to reach 100% 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 Hawaii so special. For more information, please visit hawaiienergy.com/about.
Media Contact:
Jaclyn SaitoPublic Relations & Event Specialist
jaclyn.saito@leidos.com
(808) 848-8582