Starting Monday, Hawaiian Electric customers who are falling behind on their power bills get a small but welcome lifeline: a one-time credit through the Hawai‘i Home Energy Assistance Program, or H-HEAP. The annual Energy Credit application window runs now through June 30 and is designed to help lower-income households chip away at electric costs across the utility’s service area. The payment goes straight to customers’ accounts and is handled through local community-action agencies.
How to apply and where
In a news release, Hawaiian Electric reminded customers that Energy Credit applications are accepted only during the month of June and must be submitted through local community-action agencies. Residents can apply online or reach out directly to their island agency — Honolulu Community Action Program, Maui Economic Opportunity or the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council — for application steps and a list of required documents. The utility’s H-HEAP page also offers a downloadable application and a flyer with phone numbers for each county, so there is not much excuse to wait until the last minute.
Emergency crisis help year-round
The state Department of Human Services points out that H-HEAP’s Energy Crisis Intervention benefit, known as ECI, is available all year for households facing imminent shutoff, although the number of approvals each month is capped. DHS urges anyone with a disconnection notice to contact their island agency right away and bring proof such as the most recent bill and the shutoff notice. ECI payments are usually prioritized for households considered especially vulnerable, including seniors and people with disabilities.
Who qualifies and what to expect
Applicants may qualify for the once-a-year Energy Credit if at least one person in the household receives Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), according to Spectrum News. The size of the credit shifts from year to year and is based on factors like household income, household size and how much funding is available, so neighbors should not expect identical amounts. Each household can receive only one H-HEAP benefit per program year, which makes timing and paperwork accuracy especially important.
Island rules and contacts
On Oʻahu, the Honolulu Community Action Program is handling in-person H-HEAP applications and lists its district office addresses and phone numbers on its website. Residents on other islands should contact Maui Economic Opportunity or the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council for local instructions and locations. For island-specific details, see HCAP for Oʻahu and MEO for Maui County. For general help finding services, callers can also dial 2-1-1 or visit the state energy office’s resource pages.
