OED announces launch of the Kaua‘i Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant
In partnership with the Kauaʻi Economic Development Board (KEDB) and Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC), the County of Kauaʻi Office of Economic Development is excited to announce the launch of the Kauaʻi Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant (SBEEG).
This grant will operate alongside KIUC’s Commercial Retrofit Program, which provides funding for efficiency upgrades, including air conditioning, lighting, motors, and refrigeration. This grant, managed by KEDB, will cover a percentage of labor costs associated with energy efficiency upgrades, while KIUC’s program can cover a percentage of materials costs for eligible projects.
The SBEEG program is intended for small businesses, who may face more upfront financial hurdles when retrofitting, and eligibility is limited to businesses that fall under KIUC Rate Schedule’s J or G.
Upgrading equipment and installing LED lighting are just a few “low-hanging-fruit” ways to help businesses cut their electricity bills and save money in the long run.
“We are excited to be working with our amazing partners from KEDB and KIUC, and always try to leverage existing programs instead of duplicating work,” said Nalani Brun, Director of the Office of Economic Development. “By funding this one-year pilot, we want to see if subsidizing labor costs will result in more participation in KIUC’s commercial programs. At the end of the day, one of our main priorities is helping businesses thrive on Kauaʻi, and using less energy will not only help them, but will help our community as a whole.”
After a business has submitted the interest form and emailed KIUC at energyservices@kiuc.coop, KIUC will perform a walk-through audit at the business with a supplier and identify what energy efficiency retrofits can be made. The business will review KIUC’s recommendations and the materials quote, then solicit a quote from a contractor for installation work. The business will provide KEDB with the contract’s quote, which KEDB will review to assess how much the SBEEG program is able to cover. If the business would like to proceed with the retrofits after reviewing KEDB’s proposal, they will sign an agreement with KEDB, and provide notice to proceed to the contractor. Once the installations are complete, KIUC will perform a final site visit and the business will receive the agreed-upon rebate from KEDB for installation work. This is all in parallel with KIUC’s existing Commercial Retrofit Program, in which KIUC performs an audit with a supplier and can cover a percentage of the materials costs for efficiency upgrade projects.
KEDB has $46,250 in available funds, and funding is on a first come, first served basis. The grant period closes April 30, 2025, and installations should be complete no later than 60 days before April 30. To get started, businesses are asked to fill out the program interest form first at https://www.kiuc.coop/form/sbeeg, then email KIUC at energyservices@kiuc.coop. For more information about how the grant process works, visit the program website at www.kauaiforward.com/sbeeg, or contact Christina Kaser at ckaser@kauai.gov.
If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, please contact (808) 241-4946 as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.
Our Partners
Beyond the SBEEG program, KIUC, the electric utility on Kauaʻi, offers a variety of incentives for all their commercial members to help support energy efficiency. More information is available on their website.
KEBD’s mission is to improve the quality of life on Kauaʻi by developing partnerships to diversify the economy, supporting industry clusters, and educating our youth and workforce to succeed in the global economy. Find out more information about their work on their website.
OED’s Mission
The Office of Economic Development (OED) works, in partnership with the community, to create economic opportunities towards the development of a healthy, stable and balanced economy for the residents of the County of Kauaʻi. As a government entity, OED interfaces with business and community leaders as well as other government programs to enhance Kauaʻi's economic development activities. OED is responsible to provide technical and financial support, as feasible, for both large and small business establishments or existing and emerging new industries which offer full employment for Kauaʻi's residents.
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