Public Utilities Commission

As a part of the State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs legislative package for the 2026 Legislative Session, the PUC submitted a legislative proposal to establish the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program (“HI-HEAP”) Program.

This initiative is designed to provide critical relief to Hawaii ratepayers who are struggling to meet rising energy costs. Despite widespread eligibility, many families in need are unable to access federal utility payment assistance due to the chronically low funding levels apportioned to Hawaii under the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Since LIHEAP’s inception in 1981, Hawaii has consistently received the lowest allocation of all 50 states, leaving thousands of households underserved.

Recognizing this inequity and building upon the work of the State LIHEAP Working Group convened under Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 242 (2022), the PUC proposes the creation of a dedicated state program, HI-HEAP to supplement and expand the reach of federal LIHEAP.

Establishing HI-HEAP would allow more families to be eligible to receive direct payment assistance. Additionally, eligible households would benefit from energy audits offered by the Public Benefits Fee Administrator, which would make their homes more energy efficient and further reduce energy costs.

This HI-HEAP proposal represents a proactive, locally driven solution to a longstanding federal funding disparity, ensuring that Hawaii families are no longer left behind in accessing vital energy assistance. It reflects the collective efforts of the PUC, DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy, and all the stakeholders in the State LIHEAP Working Group, united in their commitment to provide an equitable energy assistance framework that will reduce utility disconnections, lower societal costs, and strengthen the resilience of Hawaii’s communities.

The PUC looks forward to engaging with the Legislature and other community stakeholders about this proposal in the forthcoming session and discussing how to ensure that families across the state have access to affordable, reliable energy, while advancing Hawaii’s long-term clean energy goals.