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A group of individuals paying attention in the Kentucky Energy Efficiency Meeting.

Recap: Energy Efficiency Meeting with Kentucky BPA

March 19, 2024

March 7, 2024: Meeting Recap

On March 7, 2024, BPA Kentucky hosted an in-person energy efficiency meeting in Lexington to discuss state initiatives and updates in home performance. Weatherization agencies, contractors, and businesses and their employees gathered for a full day of networking and informative discussions surrounding programs including Kentucky’s TREC Grant application, Registered Apprenticeship opportunities, federal rebates, and more.

We were joined by guest speakers including Kara Saul-Rinaldi (AnnDyl Policy Group), Bruce Maybriar (Building Institute of Central Kentucky), Mark Adams (Kentucky Housing Corporation’s REE Center), Lona Brewer (Commonwealth of Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet), Rick Hall (Building Science Professional Training), and Ben Richardson (Apprenticeship Workforce Consultant).

Read below for our key takeaways from each presentation.

TREC Grant Overview – The Building Performance Association provided an overview on the opportunities within the Training Residential Energy Contractors (TREC) Grant and the opportunity to specifically align TREC dollars with other braided funding opportunities including OJT and Registered Apprenticeships.

Training Opportunities in Kentucky – Kentucky Housing highlighted training through the REE Center in KY for weatherization providers and contractors. In addition, the Building Industry Association highlighted training opportunities currently available in various trades at their respective locations.

Commonwealth of Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet Presentation – The KY State Energy Office discussed how the state intends to use incoming federal funds for training as well as other information on rebates and tax credits.

BPA Affiliates – BPA provided information on its affiliate programs and the need for collaboration among workers, leaders, and other stakeholders in building a strong voice for energy efficiency in KY. We discussed how to participate, collaborate, and build workforce development in the state based on skills gaps and industry demands through deeper involvement by multiple players and driven by those directly in the field of energy efficiency.

Survey and Energy Efficiency Trivia – BPA introduced the KY Energy Efficiency Workforce Needs Assessment Survey and its importance while leading a fun trivia game. Attendees competed for prizes by answering questions on energy savings, HVAC, water heaters, air sealing, blower door tests, and more.

ACE Registered Apprenticeships – BPA provided a deep dive into Registered Apprenticeships as they align with Energy Specialists, Technicans, and Energy Auditor career pathways.  Topics included job specific criteria, work plans, and training outlines that can help attract, onboard, and retain successful employees.

Kentucky Registered Apprenticeships – The KY Education and Labor Cabinet shared how KY helps businesses build their workforce through registered apprenticeships and by providing information on the value of registered apprenticeships for both an employer and the apprentice. 

Inflation Reduction Act, Federal Rebates – Kara Saul-Rinaldi, Chief Policy Officer for BPA provided information regarding federal residential efficiency incentives emerging from the Inflation Reduction Act, including the Home Energy Rebates and 25C tax credits, including requirements for BPI standards and potential certification requirements. This education will help residential contractors support homeowners who may be able to utilize these incentives to off-set the cost of home efficiency upgrades in Kentucky.  Contractors had the opportunity to provide feedback and concerns that will be shared with the KY State Energy Office on the best methods for stacking incentives and program development.

Download the Slide Decks

See below to download the slide decks from the various presentations.

Click here for additional information from the Kentucky State Building and Construction Trades Council.

If you are an energy efficiency worker in Kentucky and would like to make your voice heard, please take 15 minutes to complete our KY Workforce Needs Assessment Survey. Your insights will enable us to leverage our resources to identify and alleviate critical issues facing the home performance industry in Kentucky. Everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a drawing to win a 1-Year BPA Professional Membership.

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