The Maui News

Thousands of Hawaiian Electric customers received a record $8.1 million in federal credits to reduce their energy bills, about $2.5 million more than last year’s one-time annual distribution, the company said Thursday.

More than 7,500 residential customers across the five islands Hawaiian Electric serves received credits from the state Department of Human Services’ Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP. Under the program, customers with household incomes below a certain level apply for a one-time credit on their electric bills to help offset energy costs.

The minimum energy credit was $550, and the amount of the credit varies each year based on factors including income level, total number of people per eligible household and available funds. For the energy crisis intervention credit, the amount varies depending on the customer’s past due balance.

“Our goal is to keep customers connected, and LIHEAP credits provide welcome relief for thousands of households,” Brendan Bailey, Hawaiian Electric vice president of customer service, said in a news release. “With the cost of just about everything on the rise, LIHEAP and other assistance programs can make a significant impact.”

The $8.1 million in LIHEAP funds includes additional monies for applicants through various COVID relief funds, Hawaiian Electric said.

LIHEAP energy credit applications are taken annually only during the month of June by Maui Economic Opportunity, Honolulu Community Action Program and Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council.

LIHEAP energy crisis intervention applications are accepted year-round for households facing service disconnection, but there is a limited number of approvals granted each month.

For more information, visit hawaiianelectric.com/liheap.