MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaii Energy, the conservation and efficiency program for Hawaii, Honolulu and Maui counties, has announced the launch of its second annual Energy Success Story Contest.

Ten winners will be selected, and each will receive energy efficiency gift bags valued at $200 each. One overall winner will also be awarded a home energy monitor system, installation included, market valued at roughly $500.

Contest submissions will be accepted from 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 8 to Wednesday, Oct. 31.

“We had an amazing response to this contest last year, and we are hoping to reach even more people this year,” said Hawaii Energy Program Manager Ray Starling.

“People teaching people to conserve energy and live more efficiently is what this contest is really all about, so I encourage everyone with a story to please share it with us,” Starling said. “It’s going to take us all working together if we are to achieve our clean energy goals.”

As part of the contest, Hawaii Energy wants inspiring and motivating stories and photos from Hawaii homeowners and renters showcasing their outcomes and successes in conserving, or more efficiently using electricity.

Winning stories will be used to help fellow Hawaii residents learn how they can reduce their electric bills with low to no-cost tips.

“We keep the use of our clothes dryer to a minimum and we started hang-drying our clothes,” said Elisa Lau-Oshiro of Honolulu in her winning submission last year. “We also make sure our solar water heater is working effectively and efficiently, and we turn off lights in rooms that aren’t being used. Everyday changes have lowered our electricity bill by $30-$50 a month; and that adds up!”

Contest submissions must be entered no later than 11:59 p.m. Oct. 31, 2012. Judges will review all stories submitted and select the top 10. Those selected will be contacted and requested to provide a photo to complement their story.

Contest entrants agree to allow Hawaii Energy to use their story, as well as their name, city and photo in future marketing and advertising campaigns.

No purchase or payment is required to enter, but entrants must be a residential electric utility account holder on the islands of Hawaii, Lanai, Maui, Molokai or Oahu. There is no limit on the number of entries.

Hawaii Energy is a ratepayer-funded conservation and efficiency program administered by SAIC under contract with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, serving the islands of Hawaii, Lanai, Maui, Molokai and Oahu.

Hawaii Energy offers cash rebates and other incentives to residents and businesses to help offset the cost of installing energy-efficient equipment. In addition to rebates, the program conducts education and training for residents, businesses and trade allies to encourage the adoption of energy conservation behaviors and efficiency measures.

The program plays an important role in helping to achieve Hawaii’s goal of reducing total electric energy usage by 30 percent or 4.3 billion kWh by 2030.

— Find out more:
www.HawaiiEnergy.com