Building Performance Association Welcomes DOE Action to Move Training for Residential Energy Contractors (TREC) Program Forward 

The Building Performance Association (BPA) welcomes the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s decision to issue updated guidance for the Training for Residential Energy Contractors (TREC) program and provide a path forward for new state programs to launch.  

DOE’s TREC program provides grants to train workers for home energy efficiency and electrification upgrades. These investments can help address workforce challenges by reducing the cost of training, testing, certification, and other workforce development activities. Last month, DOE issued a program notice with updated requirements for State Energy Office TREC grantees, giving states more flexibility to address their regionally-specific training needs.  

BPA welcomes the increased flexibility provided by DOE’s updated program requirements. There is no one-size-fits-all workforce model, and giving states room to respond to local conditions is critical. 

“BPA believes that TREC investments can make it easier for contractors to train their employees and build skills within their existing workforce,” says BPA’s Chief Policy Officer, Kara Saul-Rinaldi. “Effective workforce programs should support upskilling incumbent workers, create pathways for new workers to enter the trades, reflect employer needs, and provide support for small and growing contractor businesses.” 

BPA, along with partners, is currently administering TREC-supported workforce development in Pennsylvania through the Penn Heat Pump Pathways program. This work gives BPA direct insight into how federal workforce investments can translate into practical training, skill development, and career opportunities. 

As states consider how to use TREC resources, BPA can connect them with contractors, training providers, industry stakeholders, and workforce partners, while sharing lessons learned from TREC-supported programs already underway. 

BPA appreciates the greater clarity and flexibility provided through the updated guidance and looks forward to working with states and partners to put TREC resources to work developing a stronger residential energy workforce. 

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About the Building Performance Association 
The Building Performance Association (BPA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit industry association that serves as the hub for businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies working to make America’s homes more energy-efficient, comfortable, healthy, and safe. BPA supports policies that advance the expansion of home and building performance, energy efficiency businesses, and industries. BPA serves as the industry’s voice on Capitol Hill and at the state and national levels.