December 2023 State Updates
December 20, 2023
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Click here to find the latest updates, projects, federal funding info, and events in your state!
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.
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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
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