HECO proposes credits for low-income customers

Hawaiian Electric Co. on April 30 proposed to help cut the electric bills of low-income households by raising rates on all other customers. The utility filed an application with the state Public Utilities Commission to offer “lifeline rates” in the form of fixed monthly bill credits to qualifying families. The program is part of an energy agreement signed with the state last October, part of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative.

The proposed credits would be $25 on Oahu, $30 on Maui, and $35 on the Big Island, Molokai and Lanai. All ratepayers would pay a monthly surcharge to cover the cost of the credit program. If approved, the estimated surcharge added to a typical monthly residential electric bill would be up to 31 cents on Oahu, up to 77 cents in Maui County and up to $1.54 on the Big Island.

“We started developing this proposal late last year, but it’s especially timely now given the economic challenges our community is facing, and the need to help those most vulnerable,” Dick Rosenblum, HECO president and CEO said. Credits would be available to electric customers enrolled in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Medicaid or and Supplemental Security Income programs.