May 2024 State Updates

Looking for the latest industry updates in your state and across the nation? Here are our newest and noteworthy updates from May 2024.

Click here to find your state and see the latest updates, projects, federal funding information, and events.

BPA State Updates

Maine – BPA has released its Maine Energy Efficiency Contractor Needs Assessment report. This detailed analysis includes a compilation of findings from exhaustive research by the BPA team, highlighting key insights, strengths, challenges, and opportunities facing the energy efficiency workforce in the state of Maine. Download the report.

Puerto Rico – The BPA Team was present at the Eastern Seaboard Apprenticeships Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico earlier this month. Alongside Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), BPA informed attendees about its Energy Specialist Apprenticeship Program model. This model includes 144 hours of related technical instruction, 2,000 hours of on-the-job work, and is customizable per company. BPA assists employers with setting up this model within their business, and getting it registered by the Department of Labor to ensure all regulatory standards are met. Learn more about apprenticeship programs.

State Industry News

Maine – Governor Mills announced that the number of clean energy jobs in Maine has surpassed 15,000, and the clean energy sector grew to contribute $2.31 billion to Maine’s economy in 2022, according to an independent report released by the Maine Governor’s Energy Office (GEO). Learn more.

Additionally, the GEO published a summary of Maine’s Home Energy Rebate Federal Funding application and what this program will mean for Mainers. Download the summary.

Michigan – The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) have been designated as State Energy Financing Institutions (SEFIs) by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO). The State of Michigan’s two SEFIs will offer grants for clean energy deployment projects that support the state’s MI Healthy Climate Plan in order to allow projects to leverage DOE LPO funding. The State is currently accepting applications from any projects physically located in Michigan. Learn more and view the application guidelines.

Indiana – The Indiana Office of Energy Development has published information regarding upcoming Home Energy Rebates for locals, and is planning a series of informational sessions. Stay informed and register for upcoming meetings.

Wisconsin – Wisconsin has been allocated $149 million under the Home Energy Rebates Programs. Stay informed with state updates.

Other Industry News

ACEEE – The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recently released a white paper listing programs advancing zero-energy, zero-carbon, or zero-energy-ready buildings. These programs are helping builders and designers to construct growing numbers of new homes and buildings that can produce at least as much energy as they consume, or be modified to do so in the future. Access the white paper.

DOE – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released a Consumer Bill of Rights framework during a White House Consumer Convening in Washington, D.C. earlier this month. Read the summary and download the Consumer Bill of Rights template.

DOL – The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced the availability of approximately $35 million in funding through the second round of Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs grants to prepare workers for the good-paying infrastructure jobs being created by the Biden-Harris administration’s “Investing in America” agenda. Read the press release.

NCAP – The National Community Action Partnership (NCAP) is pleased to offer the Weatherization Leadership Development Community of Practice (WLDCOP), a unique cohort-based learning experience designed to help weatherization subgrantees select, develop, and retain the weatherization leaders of tomorrow through a comprehensive peer-to-peer cohort model. Learn more about the program and apply.