Hawaiian Electric and The Aloha United Way are launching a new statewide program to help qualifying residents recover from economic hardship caused by COVID-19. The Hawai‘i Utility Bill Assistance Program aims to help Hawaiʻi residents who have fallen behind on their electric, water, sewer and gas bills.

According to a joint press release from Hawaiian Electric and The Aloha United Way, Hawaiian Electric has pledged $2 million in shareholder money from its parent company, Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI), to the program, which will be administered through Aloha United Way on Oʻahu in partnership with local United Way chapters.

The Hawai‘i Utility Bill Assistance Program will begin accepting applications through the Aloha United Way website on Feb. 8, 2021 at 8 a.m. Aloha United Way will accept applications through their online portal and via mail.  Applicants will be qualified through a process administered on a first come, first-served basis, until program funds are completely disbursed.

Residential customers who meet eligibility requirements can receive one-time assistance of funds up to $750. That amount can be paid to one utility or split among several. Payments for approved applications will be disbursed directly to each utility company.  Hawaiian Electric is also offering customers options for spreading out payments on past-due bills, interest-free, across a longer period than ever before.

Bills for telephone, cell phone, cable and internet service are not eligible for payment

“We have to be here for each other, and we want to make unpaid bills for essential utility services one less thing for families to worry about,” said Scott Seu, president and CEO of Hawaiian Electric.