Newman

HONOLULU – Hawaii Energy, the conservation and efficiency program for Hawaii, Honolulu and Maui counties, wants to help residents save electricity in their homes with a “bounty” cash reward in exchange for turning in old refrigerators or freezers.

In honor of Earth Day 2013, Hawaii Energy reminds residents that it will pick up and recycle old working refrigerators or freezers for free and pay cash for eliminating those old units. Maui households will get $65; this offer is coming soon to Molokai and Lanai.

The goal of the Bounty Program is to eliminate old, inefficient refrigerators or freezers.

Refrigerators that are 15 years old or older can use two to three times more electricity than new Energy Star models.

According to Hawaii Energy, those old “energy hog” refrigerators and freezers can cost households up to $500 or more a year in energy costs.

“Many homes have older refrigerators using up a lot of electricity, costing residents hundreds of dollars to operate every year,” said Larry Newman, Hawaii Energy operations director.

“Our Bounty Program makes it easy to surrender old but working refrigerators and freezers. Just call us today, and we will take care of the rest.”

To participate in the Bounty Program on Maui, call 1-877-231-8222. The program is offered through June 2013 or as long as funding lasts.

Bounties are available on a first-come, first-served basis to electric utility account holders, with a limit of one refrigerator and one freezer per household.

The appliances must be full-size (at least 14 cubic feet) and currently in use to qualify. Some restrictions may apply.

Hawaii Energy has two other refrigerator offers. Residents can receive a $50 rebate when they purchase a new Energy Star refrigerator with a minimum size of 16 cubic feet and price of $600 or less.

Or, if they purchase a new Energy Star refrigerator and recycle the old working refrigerator, residents can get a $125 rebate with Hawaii Energy’s “Trade-up for Cool Cash” offer.

For more information, visit www.HawaiiEnergy.com.