BPA State Outreach Updates

Delaware – The BPA Team met with Milford Housing Development Corporation (MHDC) to discuss workforce and education initiatives for the state. They will continue to work with the affiliate lead team to push forward with funding opportunities and advancement of future goals.

Kentucky – BPA is collecting survey responses from energy efficiency workers in Kentucky as part of its Workforce Needs Assessment. The team will utilize this information to help determine critical needs and how to best leverage funding opportunities to expand the industry. Take 15 minutes to complete the survey. Additionally, BPA has continued work with KY Housing and Building Industry Association for cooperative engagement around residential energy efficiency training.

The team also met with partners and affiliate members to discuss upcoming events and resources for contractors regarding rebates and training funding.

Maryland – BPA met with Maryland leaders to discuss creating an affiliate group, a Needs Assessment, funding, policy, communication, and administrative support.

Puerto Rico – BPA met with members of the IREC Puerto Rico team to discuss 2024 plans for energy conferences, community events, and RFPs.

Join Your State Affiliate
Want to become a State Affiliate member? You’ll gain access to valuable resources on federal funding, rebates, and state workforce programs. You’ll also enjoy exclusive benefits like member-only webinars, conference discounts, and more! And if there isn’t an affiliate in your state, don’t worry–you can still join BPA national and experience the same access and benefits.

View our membership levels and sign up today!

State News

California – TECH Clean California has launched $80 million in new incentives for households replacing a traditional water heater with an electric heat pump water heater. When homeowners work with a participating TECH Clean California contractor, incentives range from $3,100 to $5,300 on a new heat pump water heater and up to an additional $4,000 for electrical panel upgrades. To receive the incentive, customers are required to enroll in a demand response program and a time-of-use electricity rate.

About $10 million in federal funding for training could be coming in to help address California’s clean energy workforce shortage. This funding is intended to help develop or subsidize existing workforce development tools, provide testing and certification of electrification and energy efficiency contractors, and partner with nonprofit organizations to attract the local workforce needed to deliver energy efficiency and electrification projects. Check the California Energy Commission’s IRA Residential Energy Rebate Programs page for updates.

Maine – Governor Janet Mills has announced $1.3 million in grant awards to three organizations to support the development of innovative clean energy businesses in Maine through incubator, accelerator and business support programs. Read the full announcement here. 

On January 10th, the Governor’s Energy Office will host a webinar to present information regarding the State’s application for a new clean energy workforce development program and solicit feedback from stakeholders. Learn more here.

This year, BPA participated in the creation of the ReMaine Clean Energy Internship Program by its ally, North Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP). Check out NEEP’s 2023 highlights and recap of the program.

New York – Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a new $45 million Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Clean Energy Training Initiative that will expand the capacity of labor organizations to offer training as a pathway to clean energy careers. Read the full announcement here.

National News

HOMES Sample Application Responses and Guidance

The Department of Energy has released an application guidance document for Home Efficiency Rebates Programs. This document provides example responses and additional guidance to assist a state/territory in applying for and implementing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Home Rebate Program(s) in accordance with the requirements of the Administrative and Legal Requirements Document and the Program Requirements & Application Instructions. View the document.

Energy Auditor Training Grant Program

State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) has recently released a Notice of Intent (NOI) for the upcoming Energy Auditor Training (EAT) Program Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). EAT will provide grants for states to support the training of energy auditors by paying the costs associated with energy auditor trainings and certifications, for the purpose of conducting energy audits, or surveys, of commercial and residential buildings. States can use this program to engage new workers or upskill existing professionals for important work in the clean energy field. Learn more.

State and Territory Application Tracker

The Department of Energy (DOE) has launched a state and territory application tracker that provides transparency into the current application status of State Energy Offices’ HOMES and HEEHR applications. Learn more.

WAP Funding Approved for 2024 Conference

Weatherization Memorandum 119: The Department of Energy has approved funding for Weatherization Assistance Program agencies to attend the 2024 National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP) Winter Conference.

Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Events

Clean Energy for Homes Conference & Trade Show

February 13-14, 2024, in Saratoga Springs, New York

This two-day event provides regional education for those working in the state of New York and in surrounding states. In addition, a trade show with local and national exhibitors will run on both days of the event.

Topics will cover a wide range of topics within home performance, including:

• Advanced Building Science & Technologies
• Electrification & Decarbonization
• Fundamentals
• Growing Your Business
• Multifamily
• Reaching Underserved Communities and Workforce Development; Communication Strategies and Programs & Policy

Register Now >

NY Residents – Our host sponsor, NYSERDA, is offering a $100 discount for New York State businesses and residents for the first 200 registrations! Use the code NYSTATE100 to apply the discount.

Webinar: Demystifying Aggregators: Unlocking IRA Rebates to Grow Your Business

January 11th, 2024 | 2 PM EST

Webinar: Recruiting Weatherization Professionals and Contractors with Green Workforce

January 25th, 2024 | 2PM EST

National Energy Conference for Educators

July 7-11, 2024
Philadelphia, PA

The post December 2023 State Updates appeared first on Building Performance Association.

According to the tracker, DOE has awarded 22 states early administrative funds for HOMES and HEEHR; DOE has awarded one state (Washington) early administrative funds for HOMES only; and 12 additional states have submitted applications for early administrative funds that DOE has not yet awarded funding for. Seeking early administrative dollars is an excellent indicator of whether a State Energy Office is planning to pursue HOMES and HEEHR programs. Per DOE’s early administrative funding ALRD, “DOE reserves the right to seek the return of these funds if the recipient accepts them but does not commit to implementation of a rebate program.”

Twenty-one states have not sought early administrative funds to this point, per the tracker. However, this should not necessarily be interpreted as a signal by states that they do not intend to apply for full funds.

DOE’s tracker also confirms that no states have applied for or received full program funds.

View the tracker here.

For more information on Home Energy Rebate programs, visit our IRA Support page.

The post Home Energy Rebate Programs: Status of State Applications appeared first on Building Performance Association.

DOE intends that investments made through this competitive FOA will enhance the broader government-wide approach to support sustainable, clean energy auditing efforts in commercial and residential buildings. DOE will accomplish this by deepening partnerships and collaborative initiatives across, and among states, agencies, organizations, and DOE.

DOE expects to release the official FOA in December 2023. The FOA will include program guidance and application instructions. Additional information can be found on the program webpage and in the NOI.

The post DOE Releases Notice of Intent for Energy Auditor Training appeared first on Building Performance Association.

Our updated fact sheet provides a broad overview of these programs and outlines how funds will flow from the Department of Energy (DOE) to State Energy Offices (SEOs), ultimately benefiting consumers and contractors. Key updates to this fact sheet reflect DOE’s Program Requirements and Application Instructions, and include:

• Contractor qualification considerations for both HOMES and HEEHR
• Low- and Moderate-Income requirements for both HOMES and HEEHR
• Contractor incentives for HOMES and HEEHR
• General incentive stacking information

State-specific HOMES and HEEHR program launch dates and parameters will vary. DOE generally “expects households to be able to access these rebates in much of the country in 2024,” though this will depend both on state applications to DOE and DOE application processing time and approval. See individual SEO websites for more specific timeline estimates.

Please note that this information is an overview of the Home Energy Rebate programs, and there is still much to be decided. Program details will vary by state – this document provides a current snapshot of the evolving policy landscape of the Home Energy Rebate programs.

Download the fact sheet here ›

The post BPA: Home Energy Rebates in the Inflation Reduction Act Fact Sheet appeared first on Building Performance Association.

State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grants provide funding for states to develop and implement clean energy workforce development programs. This winter, the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) in Maine will prepare and submit an application that aims to reduce the cost of training contractor employees, provide testing and certification of contractors, and partner with nonprofits to attract and train a diverse set of local workers.

On January 10th, GEO will host a webinar to present information regarding the State’s application for the program and solicit feedback from stakeholders. If you are interested in learning more, please email Tagwongo Obomsawin: Tagwongo.Obomsawin@maine.gov.

Learn More Here.

For further information, contact:

Name: Tagwongo Obomsawin
Phone: (207) 707-2001

The post Maine: State-Based Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grants Program Webinar appeared first on Building Performance Association.

We’ve put together a roundup of some top resources from 2023.

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Resources

BPA was thrilled to be a part of securing billions of dollars in rebates and incentives for home energy efficiency and electrification. With the IRA guidelines being released in July of this year, we created a hub for business owners to get all of the information they need to successfully apply for home energy and rebate programs. Resources include requirement guides, eligibility checklists, fact sheets and more.

Recent IRA Resources

• DOE: Home Efficiency Rebates Retroactivity Fact Sheet and Eligibility Checklists
• The White House: IRA Guidebook
• The Residential Capital Stack

View Our Other IRA Resources ›

25C Tax Credit Fact Sheet Download

BPA has developed a comprehensive fact sheet on the 25C Tax Credit, specifically tailored for contractors and businesses engaged in home retrofit services. This credit is currently available to homeowners who make energy-efficient home upgrades, such as adding insulation, HVAC systems, and other energy-saving equipment and conducting energy audits.

Get Your Copy Here ›

IRA Webinar Series

Along with our IRA resources, we hosted an IRA-specific summer webinar series to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Act’s requirements, compliance regulations, and best practices for implementation. With topics on:

• Income-Verified Rebates at Point of Sale: Solutions for Meeting Home Energy Rebate Program Requirements
• Understanding the 25C Tax Credit for Contractors
• IRA Guidelines 101
• Modeled or Measured?

If you didn’t have a chance to join us, you can still access the playbacks for free as a paid professional and company BPA member. Not a member of the association? You can join us easily today and get instant access to all webinar playback and Q&A documents!

Learn More & Access Playbacks ›

Building Science Principles

The Building Science Principles Training is a free resource for educators in the home performance industry. With this introductory course to residential energy efficiency, students will gain the foundational principles of how homes work through the lens of building science. Modules include:

• Module 1: Building Science Basics
• Module 2: Building Science Systems & Equipment
• Module 3: Energy Assessments
• Module 4: Career Pathways 

Developed as a companion to Building Performance Institute’s (BPI), Building Performance Principles Certificate, industry educators and trainers all have access to the course materials. 

Learn More & Download Your Copy ›

Energy Expert Training

With course content provided by Energy Circle, this free course covers the steps to becoming an energy expert. Course curriculum includes marketing basics, leveraging financing to drive sales, taking advantage of incentives and much more. 

Start the Course Now ›

BPA Journal

The BPA Journal is your go-to source for the latest news and insights in the industry.

What’s New

• How to Upgrade and Electrify Millions of US Homes and Buildings
• The Positive Impact of Fair Wages: Supporting the Weatherization Workforce
• The 1000 Home Challenge Journey
• 11 Healthy Home Statistics To Use on Your Website
• Building the Next Generation of Home Energy Retrofit Contractors

Most Popular Articles in 2023

• Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations
• BPA Sponsors Apprenticeship Pathways in Energy Efficiency 
• BPI Building Analyst and Envelope Certifications Have Transformed into a Career Path
• Understanding the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA)
• Meet Hal Smith of Halco Energy

Featured Trainings in the BPA Library 

• Maximizing the 45L Tax Credit: ENERGY STAR and Beyond Training
• HERS Rater Training & Certification
• BPI Infiltration & Duct Leakage Training & Exam
• BPI Building Analyst Technician Training & Exam
• HERS H2O AND WATERSENSE 2.0
• RESNET HERS Rater Training

There’s more where that came from! Our online resource library contains industry resources, including downloadable PDFs, webinar playbacks, videos, podcasts and more. We look forward to providing you with even more resources in the future.

View More Resources ›

The post BPA’s 2023 Resource Roundup appeared first on Building Performance Association.

A program opportunity announcement has additional information for applicants, including information to gather, details on the competitive scoring process, and more.  

The grant program was established by House Bill 1536 in 2022, which provided $10 million for ODOE program administration and grants to 11 Oregon regions and the nine federally recognized Tribes in the state. To date, administrators have been selected for six Oregon regions and one Tribe.  

Applicants may partner with other eligible entities to perform program activities and distribute funding in their area. Following a competitive review, successful applicants will be offered a performance agreement containing the terms and conditions associated with the grant. More information about the Community Heat Pump Deployment Program is available on ODOE’s website.

Federal Energy Efficiency Savings Coming in 2024 |  The Oregon Department of Energy has talked a lot this year about federal dollars coming to our state for energy projects and programs. Multiple programs over the next few years will support Oregon’s energy goals. 

As we turn to 2024, ODOE looks forward to helping roll out even more programs to help Oregonians save energy at home. The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act invested dollars in Home Energy Rebates – a pair of programs that will help Oregonians make their homes more energy efficient by installing appliances and performing upgrades that will also help residents save money. 

Although the exact number of households that could benefit from these funds is not yet clear, ODOE estimates that – assuming an average rebate size per project – about 13,000 Oregon households could benefit from these programs. Because these programs primarily target low-income households, it is important that rebates cover a large portion of the up-front cost to ensure customers with limited resources can take advantage of these rebates with minimal out-of-pocket costs. Larger incentives mean fewer households overall will receive funding under these programs, but it will ensure that those who receive rebates will have lower out-of-pocket costs.

ODOE is well-positioned to design and implement these programs in an efficient manner, and the agency is working diligently to ensure the impact of the programs is maximized and stakeholders have the opportunity to provide input on program design.

We hope to be able to roll out the rebate programs mid-2024. Learn more on ODOE’s blog and updated Home Energy Rebates FAQ.

ODOE’s Rural Assistance Program Gets New Name for the New Year | The Oregon Rural & Agricultural Energy Assistance Program (formerly Oregon Rural & Agricultural Energy Audit Program) is ready for its third year of helping rural Oregon small businesses and agricultural producers meet their energy goals. Heading into the new year, the program’s name has been updated to better reflect the broad range of support offered — and the ORAEA team invites interested folks to learn more through a new informational video (and help us spread the word!).

The ORAEA program offers support through a $100,000 grant awarded by the USDA Renewable Energy Development Assistance program. The grant helps fund energy assessments for agricultural producers and rural small businesses and can cover up to 75 percent of the total cost of the energy assessment. Energy Trust of Oregon also has incentives available to help cover the remaining cost for those served by one of the utilities Energy Trust represents.

Interested farms, ranches, and rural small businesses are encouraged to fill out an interest form with contact information and a short summary of operations and energy interests. The ORAEA team will schedule a call to understand needs and interests, explore options, answer questions, and mutually agree on next steps, which could include a draft scope of work for an energy assessment with an experienced energy auditor or a referral to one of our partner organizations. An energy assessment, or audit, helps identify potential energy projects, quantify savings, and prioritize projects based on cost, savings, and payback. Most energy assessments range from $4,000-$8,500.

More information – including how to sign up for program updates and responses to Frequently Asked Questions about the program – is available on ODOE’s website.

On the Road in Oregon  |  ODOE Community Navigator Sarah Moehrke is launching a new blog series to report on her visits with Oregon’s diverse communities. ODOE’s new Community Navigator Program is focused on fostering connections and collaboration across the state, including how ODOE can better understand and support communities’ goals and priorities around energy. We’ll uncover the stories, challenges, and triumphs of communities across Oregon — and showcase the power of community engagement and sustainable initiatives. Read more about the program, including a recap of Sarah’s recent visit to Hood River, on the blog.

• Join the team! Keep an eye onODOE’s website for open recruitments and please share with your networks. 
• In case you missed it, ODOE held a kickoff meeting for our State Energy Strategy project this month. The Energy Strategy, due to the Legislature in November 2025, will identify pathways to achieving Oregon’s energy policy objectives. Learn more on our website, view a recording of the kickoff meeting, and sign up for email updates for future opportunities to weigh in. 
• Last month we shared our updated Oregon Solar Dashboard, an interactive webpage showing solar growth through 2022. ODOE Senior Policy Analyst Rob Del Mar joined Oregon Public Broadcasting this month to share more on what the dashboard tells us about Oregon’s solar future.
• ODOE Technology & Policy Manager Jessica Reichers spoke with KLCC radio this month to discuss electric vehicle adoption in Oregon, following our agency’s 2023 Biennial Zero Emission Vehicle Report. Give it a listen online.
• ODOE was proud to sponsor Sustainable Northwest’s 8th Annual Fall Energy Symposium in Benton County. ODOE staff were on hand to provide information on our programs and services during the two-day event, which brings together rural energy leaders from across the state for field tours, panel presentations, and networking opportunities.
• ODOE was also proud to sponsor the 2023 Oregon Solar + Storage Conference, held this year in Portland. ODOE Senior Policy Analyst Rob Del Mar presented on conference panels about solar opportunities in the Inflation Reduction Act and Oregon’s current incentive and grant programs.
• The Every Mile Counts partnership of Oregon state agencies has published a new Funding Handbook for Local Governments that provides information about the various resources available to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. 
• Join us in congratulating Oregon Clean Power Cooperative on receiving the Meaningful Benefit Award from the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2023 American-Made Sunny Awards for Equitable Community Solar. The cooperative received the award in recognition of its success in providing community solar with battery storage to power emergency operations at two schools and a fire station in the communities where the projects are located. ODOE was proud to support the cooperative’s efforts with a nearly $32,000 Renewable Energy Development Grant in 2020.
• ODOE has an opening for a volunteer position to serve on the Oregon Hanford Cleanup Board. The 20-member board provides input to the U.S. Department of Energy and its regulators on the Hanford Nuclear Site cleanup. Learn More.
• The Energy Facility Siting Council, a governor-appointed volunteer council responsible for the review and oversight of large-scale energy facilities, is recruiting for a new member. Contact Todd Cornett, ODOE’s Assistant Director for Siting and Council Secretary, with questions.
• ODOE has several incentive programs up and running. Learn more about our energy incentives on ODOE’s website. 
• Did you know ODOE’s Energy Facility Siting Team is currently reviewing more than a dozen proposed or amended energy facilities? From wind to solar facilities – to combined wind, solar, and storage facilities – you can learn more about the state’s process and how to get involved on ODOE’s website. You can also sign up to receive a monthly facility siting update showing the latest and greatest. 

The post Oregon Dept. of Energy Seeking Additional Regional Administrators for Community Heat Pump Deployment Program appeared first on Building Performance Association.

• The conference will be held at Trenton War Memorial, in Trenton, NJ.
• Registration is required by Friday, December 8 at this link.
• The meeting will be livestreamed here.

2. Public comment submission on docket no. QO23100733.

• Comments are due by 5pm Eastern on January 5, 2024.
• All comments are considered public, but there is a confidential submission option.

The post NJ Requests Input on Home Energy Rebate Programs appeared first on Building Performance Association.

The Pennsylvania group meets quarterly. Want to join the next one? Be on the lookout for the next invitation.

Any times you prefer future meetings? Any topics you would like to hear? Email at mlewis@building-performance.org with suggestions.

The post Pennsylvania November 2023 Meeting appeared first on Building Performance Association.

Calling all weatherization agencies, energy efficiency businesses, employees, and contractors in the home services sector in Kentucky ~

Take 15 minutes to participate in the Kentucky Energy Workforce Needs Assessment Survey.

Complete The Survey >

This survey is designed to identify the hiring needs, workforce development gaps, and accessibility barriers facing program managers, energy efficiency businesses, employees, and contractors in Kentucky. 

Responses will be aggregated into a report that will include specific recommendations to address energy efficiency workforce needs. The final report will provide input into the state’s application for federal funding and will be publicly available via various channels, such as the Kentucky State Energy Office of Policy and BPA websites. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.

Any personal information collected in this survey will not be shared.

All respondents will be entered into a drawing to win a 1-year BPA Professional membership.

Deadline to Complete Survey: Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

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