Hawaiian Electric service disconnections for nonpayment have been suspended through Dec. 31, 2020. The company urges customers challenged by the financial impact of COVID-19 to seek utility bill assistance from government and nonprofits, and to set up a payment arrangement plan.
The Public Utilities Commission yesterday ordered utilities to extend through Dec. 31 the moratorium on service disconnections for nonpayment. The company voluntarily suspended its collection efforts in March to ensure customers’ electric service would not be disrupted while many were staying home. The PUC subsequently ordered all utilities to suspend disconnections and Hawaiian Electric has since been following with the commission’s orders and timing for the disconnection moratorium.
The PUC did urge customers to pay their bills if possible, as eventually, the bills will have to be paid in full.
Hawaiian Electric has special payment plans to help customers keep past due balances manageable. Go to www.hawaiianelectric.com/paymentarrangement to learn more about the interest-free plan options for residential and business customers.
There are also plans in the state and counties to provide assistance for utility payments. Go to www.hawaiianelectric.com/COVID19 for a listing of programs. :
- Hawaiʻi County – $1.5 million CARES funding
- COVID-19 Utility Bill Support – Provides $500 Utility (gas, electric or nongovernment water) bill assistance for eligible households
- Administered by the Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council (HCEOC) Click here for the web site.
Customers who are having trouble paying their electric bill should contact Hawaiian Electric to set up a payment plan.
Go to www.hawaiianelectric.com/paymentarrangementfor the link to a payment arrangement request form; the form can be emailed to our customer care team. Submitting the form is the quickest way for customers to start the process.
The company’s walk-in payment centers remain closed until further notice, but there are several payment methods available to customers.
Go to www.hawaiianelectric.com/paymentoptions for available payment methods. Customers who prefer to pay in person may do so at no charge at Western Union payment locations at retailers throughout the company’s service territory. The company website lists the locations.
For assistance managing energy costs, Hawaiʻi Energy is a trusted resource for tips and rebates to help offset the costs of energy-saving equipment and services. Visit https://hawaiienergy.com/tips for more information.
