Inputs and Assumptions Survey Summary

As part of Integrated Grid Planning, Hawaiian Electric regularly updates the forecasts it uses to plan for Hawai'i’s future energy needs. These forecasts rely on inputs and assumptions, which are information about how people use electricity today and how that could change over time.

For example, more people charging electric vehicles or installing rooftop solar can change how much electricity is needed and when it’s needed. By using the best available information, Hawaiian Electric can better plan for a safe, reliable and resilient energy future.

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Why we conducted this survey

Community input is an important part of this planning process and is considered together with our technical analysis. From June 9 to July 10, 2026, Hawaiian Electric asked the public to share insights about their experience with programs that could influence future energy use, including:

  • Electric vehicles
  • Energy efficiency programs
  • Hawaii Energy rebates
  • Rooftop solar programs

The feedback will help inform the inputs and assumptions used in Hawaiian Electric’s energy planning. The survey was shared through:

  • The Community Working Group
  • The Stakeholder Technical Working Group
  • IGP email newsletter
  • Powering Hawaii’s Future blog
  • Social media
  • Community events

Participation

159 responses received across Hawaiian Electric’s service territory

Key takeaways

Electric vehicles

52% of respondents do not anticipate owning an electric vehicle (EV), and only 16% of respondents already own them.

Common barriers:

  • High vehicle costs
  • High electricity rates
  • Limited charging infrastructure
  • Condo/apartment building challenges
  • Concerns about battery replacement costs

Many respondents reported rooftop solar would make EV ownership more appealing.

Energy efficiency

86% of respondents rated energy efficiency programs as important.

Why it matters:

  • Lower energy bills
  • Reduced energy use
  • Cost savings on appliances and equipment

Hawaii Energy rebates

40% of respondents have participated in Hawaii Energy rebate or discount programs. Reasons for not participating included:

  • Eligibility requirements
  • Lack of awareness
  • Complex or inaccessible application processes
  • Expensive upfront costs

Several participants reported that rebates influenced their decision-making when purchasing an appliance. Other participants requested more awareness and education about available programs.

Rooftop solar

38% of respondents reported they participate in rooftop solar programs.

Common barriers:

  • Challenges getting approved to participate
  • Installation is too expensive
  • Renters without authority to install rooftop solar
  • Homeowner’s Association challenges
  • Low return on investment
  • Reliability challenges

Battery storage

Only 18% of respondents reported having battery storage. The leading barrier was cost, though many respondents recognized the value of batteries for backup power and resilience during outages.

What we heard

Strengths

  • Strong support for energy efficiency initiatives
  • Positive experiences with rebate programs
  • Solar and battery participants reported savings and resilience benefits

Challenges

Affordability

Customers consistently cited:

  • High EV costs
  • High electricity prices
  • Rooftop solar and battery installation cost

Awareness and outreach

Many respondents:

  • Were unaware of available programs
  • Requested more outreach around available programs
  • Wanted simpler program enrollment processes

Housing constraints

Program participation is often limited by

  • Condos and apartments
  • Rental properties
  • Homeowner’s Association restrictions

Looking ahead

Mahalo to everyone who participated in the survey. Your feedback helps inform the assumptions and planning scenarios that guide Hawaiian Electric’s Integrated Grid Plan (IGP). Combined with technical analysis and ongoing stakeholder engagement, community input will help shape how future energy needs, priorities and opportunities are evaluated.

Next steps

  • Consider survey findings when finalizing the Inputs and Assumptions phase of IGP, including a filing with the Public Utilities Commission by September 14, 2026