January 2024 State Updates
January 31, 2024
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Click here to find the latest updates, projects, federal funding information, and events in your state!
BPA State Updates
State Affiliate Members – BPA is accepting nominations for individuals to join its Board of Directors. This year, the Board is prioritizing individuals representing contracting businesses to ensure diverse representation among our slate of directors. Learn more and submit your nominations by February 12th.
Arizona – Last week, Arizona contractors joined the Office of Resiliency for a roundtable discussion to share their feedback and priorities for the IRA rebate and workforce training grants, including the Homeowners Manage Energy Savings Rebate (HOMES) and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) programs. Those who were not able to attend are still encouraged to share their thoughts in a contractor survey, which will remain open until February 11, 2024. Learn more and complete the survey.
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.
Maine – BPA hosted a Lunch & Learn with guest speaker Scott Dupee, who presented on the Goodwill AmeriCorps VISTA program. Check out the recording of Scott’s presentation.
Nevada, Utah, Maryland, and South Carolina – BPA is establishing a presence in these states, and is looking for volunteers to help launch the BPA State Affiliate programs! Help us make a difference in your state’s home performance industry. Fill out the form on our website if you’re interested in joining the effort.
Get Involved With BPA In Your State
As 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. Sign Up Today.
State Industry News
California – The California Air Resources Board (CARB) continues to develop a new statewide rule to establish a zero-emission standard for new residential space and water heating appliances starting in 2030. Learn more.
The California Energy Commission (CEC) released guidelines for a $690 million direct install program that will electrify homes and apartments at no cost to low-income families. The program prioritizes engagement with community-based organizations, provides funding for necessary health and safety improvements, ensures manufactured housing is included, and requires renter protections. Administrators of this program will be selected in 2024. Read the full progress report and learn about other activities.
Indiana – Grant applications for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program are due February 2nd. This program provides $431.2 million in formula grants to states, local governments, and tribes for the purpose of improving energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption. In Indiana, 37 communities and 1 Tribe were selected to receive formula funds through the EECBG program. Under this U.S. Department of Energy Formula Program, OED will administer Indiana’s allocation of approximately $2.4 million, with at least 60% of these funds being set aside for local governments and tribes who did not receive formula funds. Read more and access the application.
Maine – The Efficiency Maine Trust seeks proposals from public housing agencies/authorities, community action agencies, or nonprofit organizations serving low- to moderate-income individuals to conduct one or more pilot projects demonstrating the use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) in Maine. Learn More.
Efficiency Maine has also released its Residential Registered Vendor Monthly Newsletter. Check it out.
National News
NEEA – The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) contracted with JG Research & Evaluation, LLC in the fall of 2021 to conduct a study of the new Bridger View housing development in Bozeman, Montana. The research over two years focuses on the use of energy-efficient technology in cold weather. The final report documenting findings has been published and is available here.
DOE – The Department of Energy has released new resources to help state and territorial energy offices apply for and implement the Home Energy Rebates. Learn more.
Mark Your Calendars: 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. Register Now.
New York Residents Can Save $100 on Your Registration, courtesy of our host sponsor, NYSERDA. Click here for more information.
National Home Performance Conference & Trade Show
BPA has released the agenda for its 2024 National Home Performance Conference & Trade Show, happening in Minneapolis April 8 – 11th. Learn more and register.
Other Events
The sponsors of Mass Save are hosting a virtual Open House on Monday, February 5th, for contractors and partners. Attendance is free. View the agenda and register here.
Join the Department of Labor on February 20, 2024 for a special presentation on the Davis-Bacon Act, focusing on the requirements and tips for filing and checking a Certified Payroll and what to do when the wage determination is missing a classification. Register Here.