Hawaiʻi Energy EmPOWER Grant 2026
Issuer: Hawaiʻi Energy, Hawaiʻi’s state energy conservation program
Current status: Open. Applications opened August 5, 2026 and are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Hawaiʻi Energy directs applicants to submit as soon as possible to ensure consideration.
Deadline: No fixed application deadline is published in the current program materials. This is a rolling, funds-available opportunity rather than a fixed-deadline cycle.
Funding: Up to $10,000 for eligible projects on Oʻahu and up to $15,000 for eligible projects in Maui County and Hawaiʻi Island. Hawaiʻi Energy states that grants may cover up to 100% of qualifying project costs. The current public materials reviewed do not state a total program funding pool.
Eligible applicants: Applicants must be commercial electric utility account holders on Hawaiʻi Island, Lānaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, or Oʻahu where the qualifying energy-efficiency measure will be installed, and must fall within at least one eligible category. Categories include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, small businesses on electric rate Schedule G, small businesses with commercial demand of 30 kW per month or less, qualifying restaurants, and small businesses operating in facilities under 5,000 square feet.
Eligible project types: Current Hawaiʻi Energy materials identify qualifying energy-efficient improvements including commercial kitchen equipment, air-conditioning and HVAC systems, refrigeration, heat-pump water heaters, solar water heaters, and other qualified energy-efficiency equipment. Project eligibility and potential grant caps vary by equipment type.
Match/cost share: Current program materials do not state a separate mandatory match percentage. Hawaiʻi Energy states that grants may cover up to 100% of qualifying project costs.
Application requirements: Applicants select a qualifying energy-efficiency project, obtain itemized quotes from Hawaiʻi Energy Clean Energy Ally contractors, and submit the EmPOWER Grant Application, Hawaiʻi Energy Commercial Incentive Application, IRS Form W-9, an itemized project quote, proposed equipment specification sheets or submittals, and, for 501(c)(3) nonprofits, the IRS determination letter.
Submission method: Completed application materials are submitted by email to HE-Grants@Leidos.com.
Atlas assessment
Atlas Grant Fit Score: 84/100
N9+ Fit Score: 0/100
QC Healthcare Fit Score: 55/100 conditional
Dr. Miltie / QC Healthcare direct-vendor opportunity: No.
Atlas note: A qualifying nonprofit clinic, community health organization, or small healthcare business may have a credible fit for facility energy-efficiency upgrades if it satisfies the utility-account, facility-size or rate-category, contractor, and project requirements. This is not a healthcare-specific grant. N9+ is not established as an eligible cost under the current program and should not be introduced in ordinary outreach.
Official sources: Hawaiʻi Energy EmPOWER Grant | Hawaiʻi Energy July 30, 2026 program announcement