HI HB2175

Establishes the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program within the Department of Human Services to provide eligible households with stipends of up to $50 per month (maximum $600 per year) to help pay energy costs.

Hawaii residents pay the highest electricity rates in the nation at 39.62 cents per kWh—more than twice the national average—with average monthly bills of $213.

Eligibility requires applicants to be Hawaii residents with an active energy utility account who meet income limits established by the department through administrative rules.

Requires the Public Utilities Commission Public Benefits Fee Administrator to provide energy efficiency information, technical assistance, and energy audits to program recipients upon request.

Appropriates unspecified general fund amounts for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish staff positions, make system modifications, and contract services, with an effective date of July 1, 2026.