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Hawaiian Electric is telling customers to prepare for increases in energy costs in the coming months, driven by rising global oil prices linked to the war in Iran.
The power provider said Hawaii is particularly sensitive to global fossil fuel price fluctuations because the islands rely heavily on imported fuel for electricity generation and transportation.
Hawaiian Electric is forecasting that residential bills could rise as much as 20% to 30% over the next several months.
Oahu customers will start seeing higher April bills, followed by Hawaii Island and Maui County customers who will see increases in May and June.
"We recognize that Hawaii already faces a high cost of living and that any increase in energy costs places an additional burden on our families and businesses," said Rebecca Dayhuff Matsushima, vice president of Customer Service at Hawaiian Electric. "We want our customers to be informed, prepared and supported as we navigate this period together."
To help ease the impact and provide greater financial flexibility, Hawaiian Electric is offering options to help smooth short-term billing spikes, including interest-free payment plans for up to six months.
Customers service representatives are ready to assist in helping to create the best plan based on individual needs. Links to resources are available at hawaiianelectric.com.
To save energy, Hawaii Energy recommends customers:
• Reduce the use of anything that generates heat such as a water heater, oven, clothes dryer or stove. Consider a heat pump water heater, now available with a rebate of up to $700 from Hawaii Energy. It could cut your bill by up to 40%.
• Turn off air conditioning or set it at 78 degrees. Even turning it off for an hour helps.
• Use smart plugs or unplug electronics when not in use, including computers, printers, cable boxes, game devices and chargers.
• Consider rooftop solar. Hawaiian Electric offers Smart Renewable Energy programs designed to be simpler and more equitable in the long term.