 Energy conservation practices benefit all KIUC members and our communities by reducing energy costs and improving the quality of our environment. To help our members save energy and money, Energy Wise offers nine different energy-saving programs designed specifically to help manage energy costs. |
To help our members use electricity efficiently, Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) offers the following Energy-Efficiency Programs. These programs help participants better manage their energy costs. The programs have resulted in lowered energy costs, with an improved quality of life and a cleaner environment. For simple no-cost or low-cost energy management strategies to help reduce your total monthly electric consumption try this Residential Energy Wise Practices Checklist. Efficient Appliance Replacement Rebate Pilot Program - This incentive program is designed to encourage members to discard older, less efficient appliances and replace them with new, energy-efficient models. A $50 rebate incentive is paid to members who retire older, less efficient refrigerators, clothes washers and dishwashers. Appliances must be purchased within the following promotional periods: Refrigerator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 1 to March 31 Clothes Washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 1 to June 30 Dishwashers . . . . . . . . . . . August 1 to September 30 Appliance Meter Service - The KIUC Appliance Meter Service (AMS) gives members a way to meter and record the amount of electricity consumed by most common electric appliances. This helps them identify high consumption appliances that can be targeted for replacement. Information also can be used to modify the use of various appliances and help reduce consumption. Meters may be borrowed for up to seven days and are available through Member Service representatives at the main office. They come with easy-to-read instructions and a support phone number. Solar Loan Program - KIUC offers zero interest loans to members who want to change their existing electric water heater to a solar water heating system. The loan also is available for members who want to replace an existing nonfunctional solar water heater at least 15 years old. KIUC pays the interest for the participant. The participant repays the principal over five years. No down payment is required. KIUC has partnered with Kaua‘i Community Federal Credit Union and the County of Kaua‘i Housing Agency to provide funding for the loans. Solar Rebate Program - KIUC provides an $800 rebate incentive for members who want to replace their existing electric water heater with a solar water heater. The rebate is also available for members who want to replace an existing nonfunctional solar water heater at least 15 years old. New construction qualifies Home Visits - Home visit to resolve high bill inquiries are available at no cost to the member, when questions about high bills are difficult to resolve. KIUC’s Residential Energy Specialist collects information about account energy use and appliance mix over the phone to determine if a home visit is necessary. Members may call KIUC to ask for a home visit and to acquire general electric use information. The specialist visits the home, helps determine what conditions are causing consumption, and provides general educational and program information that may help the member reduce electric use. New Member Lighting Program - Three 20-watt compact fluorescent light bulbs are provided to each new KIUC residential member at no cost. KIUC also offers programs that are not energy related, called Member Advantage Programs. These programs provide services that meet the special needs of our members, and are not likely to be obtained from other resources on Kaua‘i. Residential Surge Protection Pilot Program - Storms are the biggest cause of electrical surges on Kauai. This program provides members with educational information and a line of high-quality surge suppressors to protect electric service entrance and sensitive electronic equipment within the home. The program serves the residential market. Because effective surge protection requires a multiple point approach KIUC offers a meter base surge arrester that provides service entrance protection and is leased to the member for $5 a month. There is a flat fee of $40 to install the arrester. Both charges are paid on the electric bill. Members are offered the additional option to purchase “point of use” surge protectors in the form of a multi-stage power strip and compact single-point receptacle suppressors. Qualifying Member Appliance Replacement Program - The purpose of this program is to help qualifying low-income seniors (age 60+)reduce their residential electricity use by replacing older, less efficient refrigerators and defective electric water heaters with new, more efficient ones at no cost to the member. Qualified participants must own their homes, own the refrigerator and meet federal poverty guidelines for the program year. The refrigerator to be replaced must be at least 11 years old and be the primary refrigerator. There can be no additional refrigerators in the home. This program is offered in partnership with the County of Kauai. Members must contact the County of Kauai Offices of Community Assistance Agency on Elderly Affairs to determine eligibility, Light Up a Life - This program provides free compact fluorescent light bulbs to each member who drops off a food donation for the Kauai Food Bank during its spring and holiday food drives. KIUC wants to help those in need and provide members help with their energy efficiency efforts.
Contacts |