Kauaʻi County Office of Economic Development reminds local businesses and organizations funding remains available through the Kauaʻi Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant program.
The grant is offered through a partnership between the economic development office, Kauaʻi Economic Development Board and Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative.
Small commercial members of Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative Commercial Retrofit Program can get assistance to reduce energy costs through efficiency upgrades, with the utility cooperative providing funding toward eligible materials for projects such as air-conditioning improvements, motors, lighting controls and refrigeration equipment.
The energy efficiency grant program also helps offset a portion of labor costs associated with these improvements.
It is specifically designed to assist small commercial members that might face financial barriers to completing energy efficiency projects. Eligibility is limited to businesses and organizations that fall under Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative Rate Schedules J or G.
“Upgrading equipment and installing lighting controls are some of the most effective ways businesses can lower their electricity bills and reduce operating costs over time,” said Kauaʻi County Office of Economic Development Director Nalani Bru in a release about the energy efficiency grant program. “Through this pilot initiative, we hope to encourage greater participation in [Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative’s] commercial energy efficiency programs while helping local businesses thrive.”
Businesses and organizations wanting to participate must first provide a completed interest form. Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative then conducts an on-site energy assessment with a supplier to identify potential efficiency upgrades.
Once recommendations and costs of materials are reviewed, perspective participants need to obtain a contractor quote for installation.
Courtesy Image: Kauaʻi County Office of Economic Development- Courtesy Image: Kauaʻi County Office of Economic Development
Kauaʻi Economic Development Board will the review the proposal and determine the amount of labor cost assistance available through the Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant program.
Approved businesses and organizations can proceed with their project. Following installation and a final site visit by Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative, the approved grantee will receive the agreed upon reimbursement.
Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The grant period runs through Dec. 31; all installation work must be completed no later than 60 days prior to that date.
Businesses can begin the application process by completing the interest form at the Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative website. Additional information about the program is also available online at the Kauaʻi County Office of Economic Development website.
“Reducing energy use benefits individual businesses and strengthens our community as a whole as we reduce our reliance on the electrical grid,” Bru said.
Contact Christina Kaser at 808-241-1950 or via email at ckaser@kauai.gov for additional information or with any questions.
