MEDIA RELEASE

Kanu Hawaii’s first Energy Challenge begins Monday, July 4. The month-long campaign calls on individuals and businesses across the islands to cut their electric and gasoline bills by 25 percent during the month, and commit to lasting changes that permanently reduce energy consumption and spending.

To stimulate participation, RevoluSun has donated a 120-gallon solar water heater and Energy Industries has donated a lighting retrofit for the entire home as top prizes for the challenge winners.

Other prizes include $400 in gift certificates for City Mill and other suppliers of energy-saving devices. Both renters and owners are eligible for prizes, but must have access to their electric bill.

The households with the largest reduction in household electricity use during the month of July 2011 will each receive a prize.

RevoluSun, a leading solar energy firm, and Energy Industries, a premier efficiency and renewable energy services company, join other partner organizations, Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), Hawaii Energy (a ratepayer-funded conservation and efficiency program for Hawaii Island, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu), Department of Housing and Urban Development, EAH Housing to support Kanu’s Energy Challenge.

The partners provide information, resources, and deals to help residents achieve a 25 percent reduction in energy use. The campaign includes events, workshops, and an online story contest.

“We are grateful for the support we are receiving in the community in this, our first energy challenge,” said James Koshiba, Kanu’s executive director. “The links between saving energy, saving money, and saving our island economy are clearer than ever. As we celebrate Independence Day, let’s also step toward freedom from imported oil.”

Founded in 2007, Kanu Hawaii is a nonprofit organization with a mission to encourage and support environmental and social change. Its 14,000 members make individual commitments as simple as I will take shorter showers or I will buy local.

Some commitments go viral, like the Eat Local Challenge in September, and are supported by corporate, government, and community sponsors.

The Energy Challenge rules and registration information are posed at www.kanuhawaii.org/energy