Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program application period starts June 1 for electric customers in need
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program application
period starts June 1 for electric customers in need
HONOLULU, May 31, 2023 – From June 1 to June 30, Hawaiian Electric and Kauaʽi Island
Utility Cooperative customers in need may apply for a one-time credit to reduce their energy
bills under the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.
LIHEAP Energy Credit applications are taken annually only during the month of June by
Honolulu Community Action Program, Maui Economic Opportunity, Hawaiʻi County Economic
Opportunity Council and Kauaʽi Economic Opportunity – agents of the Hawaiʻi Department of
Human Services’ (DHS) LIHEAP administration. For more information, go to
hawaiianelectric.com/liheap and kiuc.coop/payment-assistance.
The agencies also process more LIHEAP Energy Crisis Intervention (ECI) applications in June
for households facing service disconnection. ECI applications are accepted year-round, but
there is a limited number of approvals granted each month. Households may only receive one
type of LIHEAP payment per program year.
LIHEAP provides qualifying low-income households with a one-time credit on their electric bills
to help pay for energy costs. The program will be accepting applications from individuals with
annual household incomes below 150% of the federal poverty level, with a few exemptions.
To review qualifications and instructions on how to apply, visit the website for the appropriate
agency:
• Honolulu Community Action Program: hcapweb.org
• Maui Economic Opportunity: meoinc.org
• Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council: hceoc.net
• Kauaʽi Economic Opportunity: keoinc.org/services/energy-assistance
Last year’s applications resulted in more than 7,500 residential customers from across the five
islands Hawaiian Electric serves receiving a record $8.1 million in LIHEAP credits; 257 KIUC
members received $321,200.
The amount of credit awarded to qualifying applicants varies each year based on factors
including income level, total number of people per eligible household and available funds.
