GEM$: Making clean energy affordable for consumers
Posted on Apr 25, 2019 in Capitol Connection, Featured, Main
Gov. Ige announces new GEM$ initiative with Murray Clay, Ulupono managing partner; Jay Griffin, Public Utilities Commission chair; Gwen Yamamoto-Lau, director of Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority; and Scott Seu, VP at HECO.
Governor Ige has announced a new, innovative program to make green energy installments such as solar water heaters and photovoltaic panels more accessible and affordable for homeowners, renters, small businesses and non-profits. The Green Energy Money $aver (GEM$) on-bill program is the result of a collaborative effort among energy leaders from the public and private sectors.
The on-bill repayment program allows electric ratepayers on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i island, Maui, Lānaʻi and Moloka‘i to invest in green energy installments to immediately lower their utility bill and use the estimated savings to cover the costs of installation. Repayments are conveniently paid through monthly electric bills, which means there are no additional loan payments.
“We’re proud to be offering ratepayers this on-bill option,” said the governor. “This will give everyone the opportunity to do their part to reduce our state’s use of fossil fuels and greenhouse gases.” For more details about the program, go to gems.hawaii.gov or email [email protected] or call (808) 587-3868.