MEDIA RELEASE

The state has announced the opportunity for investment grade energy audits for Hawaii agricultural producers and rural small businesses interested in energy efficient practices.

Through a $100,000 federal grant via the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program, the energy audit initiative will provide approved farms, agricultural producers and other rural small businesses with an investment grade audit that will examine current energy usage, recommend actions and investments to reduce energy usage, and show associated energy savings and financial returns.

“The state is leveraging the USDA grant to provide interested farms and rural businesses with an investment grade energy audit that will help them in their efforts to seek financing for the recommended projects and save money over time,” said Richard Lim, director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT).

As part of USDA requirements, applicants will be responsible for paying upfront a small share of the audit cost, which will be calculated on a business-by-business basis.

Upon completion of the audit, the applicant may be able to recoup the upfront cost of the audit through Hawaii Energy, the state’s energy conservation and efficiency program, which has augmented this federal grant with a $25,000 commitment through its existing Whole Building Assistance incentive offer.

“From the outset, we expect to see recipients adopt the recommended efficiency measures from the energy audit,” said Mark Glick, State Energy Administrator. “Not only will the audit supply recommendations that will be in the best interest of the individual business, but it will provide a proven example to other businesses of the economic return from energy savings investments that also support our overall clean energy mission.”

The energy audit program is a partnership between DBEDT, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Energy, and GDS Associates.

Hawaii Energy is a ratepayer-funded conservation and efficiency program administered by SAIC under contract with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, serving the islands of Hawaii, Lanai, Maui, Molokai and Oahu.

Hawaii Energy offers cash rebates and other incentives to residents and businesses to help offset the cost of installing energy-efficient equipment.

In addition to rebates, the program conducts education and training for residents, businesses and trade allies to encourage the adoption of energy conservation behaviors and efficiency measures.

— Find out more:
www.energy.hawaii.gov/energy-audit-opportunities
www.HawaiiEnergy.com