$150M in Contractor Training Grants Now Available to States

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) announced today that applications are open for state energy offices to apply for $150 million in funding from the State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grants Program to support the education, training, and certification of a new generation of the residential energy efficiency workforce.

The State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grants, or Contractor Training Grants, provides $200 million* to state energy offices to train, test, and certify residential energy efficiency and electrification contractors. These training grants are part of the $8.8 billion Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) investment.

Using these grants, states can partner with nonprofit organizations to implement programs that create local jobs and reduce homeowner utility bills. By partnering with trained contractors, states can connect them with projects funded by DOE’s Home Energy Rebate Programs. These programs offer rebates to eligible residents who invest in energy-efficient retrofits and appliance upgrades.

Released today, the Administrative and Legal Requirements Document (ALRD) provides guidance to states, territories, and Washington, D.C., on the application process for formula funding to establish Contractor Training Grant programs.

Contractors and stakeholders are urged to contact their state governor’s office and encourage them to take advantage of the $150 million in contractor training funds.

Initial applications are due September 30, 2023. 

*$200,000,000 total, including $150,000,000 to be distributed to states through a formula in two installments, and up to $40,000,000 to be distributed to states through a competitive process. Details on the competitive process have not yet been announced.