After climbing steadily from February through May, Hawaiian Electric's published Oʻahu residential "effective" rates came down a little in June 2026. This is the first month-over-month dip we've seen since rates began rising earlier this year.
It's not a dramatic drop, and rates are still well above where they were at the start of the year — but it's a step in the right direction.
How June Compares
We updated our monthly comparison to include June so you can see how the change stacks up. We're using the same benchmark as last time: HECO's "typical household" metric of 500 kWh/month.
Quick guide to what you're looking at
This infographic is built from HECO's published Oʻahu Residential Schedule R monthly "effective" energy charges (tiered prices per kWh). citeturn10search8turn10search7
To make comparisons easier, it also includes:
- An apples-to-apples blended price per kWh at 500 kWh usage citeturn2search1
- A "500 kWh + fixed fees" monthly bill estimate citeturn2search1
- A month-over-month percentage change so you can see the direction of the trend
HECO describes about 500 kWh/month as a typical household usage level on Oʻahu.
What changed in June?
- June came down from May — the first month-over-month decrease since this upward trend started earlier in the year.
- Using the same 500 kWh benchmark, the estimated monthly bill was about $6 lower than May.
- That said, June is still noticeably higher than February through April, so bills may still feel elevated even if your usage hasn't changed much.
Keep an eye on it
We'll keep tracking these numbers each month so you don't have to dig through HECO's filings yourself. If the trend continues heading the right way, we'll share that too. citeturn18search9
In the meantime, if you're looking for practical ways to manage your energy costs at home, we've been building out a collection of guides — everything from home cooling strategies to what's coming next on water heating and more:
Thinking about an energy-saving upgrade?
If you’ve got a project in mind, even if you’re still in the “maybe” stage, we’re here to help you talk it through and run the numbers.
- Solar + Energy Storage: our Eco-Personal Loan can help with installation costs
- Replacing an older appliance: like a fridge, washer, or A/C, our EcoSmart Appliance Loan can help with eligible upgrades
- For projects that don't fit neatly in one box: for eligible homeowners, a HELOC can be a convenient and flexible option
Want to learn more? Call us at 808.440.5380 — we’ll help you compare options and figure out what fits your home and budget.
Sources & Methodology
Data source + definitions: Hawaiian Electric publishes a monthly "Effective Rate Summary" that reflects the rate schedule plus approved adjustments. Tiered prices shown are HECO Oʻahu Schedule R tiered effective energy charges from the monthly Effective Rate Summary filings for February through June 2026. citeturn10search8turn10search7
Typical usage benchmark: HECO defines a "typical residential bill" as reflecting approximate average household kWh usage by island (Oʻahu: about 500 kWh/month). citeturn2search1
Blended average calculation (500 kWh): Because 500 kWh falls within Tier 1 plus part of Tier 2, the blended average energy price is calculated as: Blended $/kWh @ 500 = (350 × Tier 1 + 150 × Tier 2) ÷ 500. citeturn2search1
Monthly bill total estimate (500 kWh + fixed fees): Monthly bill total estimate = energy charges at 500 kWh + fixed monthly fees. For February through May 2026, fixed fees = $15.41 (customer charge of $13.95 + Green Infrastructure Fee of $1.46). For June 2026, fixed fees = $15.35 (customer charge of $13.90 + Green Infrastructure Fee of $1.45), as shown in HECO's Schedule R filings. citeturn2search1turn10search7
Tier 3 rate note: Tier 3 is shown in the comparison for reference, but it does not affect the 500 kWh blended rate because Tier 3 applies only to usage above 1,200 kWh/month under HECO Oʻahu Schedule R. The 500 kWh blended calculation uses only Tier 1 and Tier 2. citeturn2search1turn10search7
Important note: In this comparison, June 2026 is lower than May 2026, but remains elevated relative to earlier months in 2026. Actual bills vary based on usage, billing period length, taxes, adjustments, and other bill components. Billing periods can vary month to month. citeturn10search8turn10search7turn2search1
All loans are subject to qualifications and approval. Certain terms and conditions apply. Lōkahi FCU membership required.
Source links:
HECO Effective Rate Summary page
February 2026 Effective Rate Summary
March 2026 Effective Rate Summary
April 2026 Effective Rate Summary
May 2026 Effective Rate Summary
