The Maui News

Residents and businesses who “feel helpless” amid rising energy costs can take steps now to help save money in the long run, Hawaii Energy said.

On Thursday, Hawaiian Electric announced that electric bills could increase by 20 percent in Maui and Hawaii counties and by 10 percent on Oahu.

Hawaii Energy, the state’s Public Benefits Fund administrator that focuses on energy-efficiency education and clean-energy initiatives, said some energy-saving tips include:

• Warming up meals with a microwave, which uses up to two-thirds less energy and heat than a conventional oven.

• Replacing old lightbulbs with LEDs.

• Washing only full loads of dishes and setting the dishwasher to air dry.

• Shortening showers by just two minutes to save up to 233 kilowatt-hours and $56 per year per person in the household.

• Using a timer to shut off the water heater when it’s not needed, such as overnight.

• Washing full loads of laundry in cold water.

• Avoiding peeking into the oven while baking. Every time the oven is opened, the temperature drops 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Dusting off fridge oils or filters and checking the rubber seals on the door to make sure the cold air is not sneaking out.

For more tips, visit hawaiienergy.com/tips. A current list of rebates can be found at hawaiienergy.com/for-homes/rebates.