September 2024 State Updates

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

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

BPA State Updates

Arizona – The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) is considering repealing its Energy Efficiency Standard, which would put vital utility rebate programs at risk of being eliminated. BPA is leading a sign-on letter for individuals in the industry to demonstrate their support for the energy efficiency programs. As shown in the draft proposal, ACC staff have recommended repealing the entire authorizing regulation for the energy efficiency programs. You can see a draft of our letter here. We encourage you to sign on to the letter by completing this form. All submissions must be entered by 12 pm MST on September 30, 2024.

Kentucky – BPA has published a comprehensive report highlighting key strengths, challenges, and opportunities for the energy efficiency industry in Kentucky. This project was made possible by the Office of Energy Policy within the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy State Energy Program (SEP). The report is the result of 9 months of thorough research by BPA including efforts such as in-person and virtual stakeholder meetings, a survey of industry workers, and an in-depth look at Kentucky’s current landscape and potential resources for the industry. Download the report.

Maryland – BPA has been approved as an energy specialist apprenticeship sponsor in the state of Maryland. This means that BPA is able to operate within the state by designing and executing apprenticeship programs, providing jobs to apprentices, overseeing training development, and providing hands-on learning and technical instruction for apprentices. To support these efforts, BPA has developed an Energy Specialist Apprenticeship Program model that employers can adopt and customize to fit their needs. To learn more about how BPA can help you create and optimize your own apprenticeship program, contact Brook Vernon, Workforce Development Programs Manager, at bvernon@building-performance.org.

State Industry News

Alabama – The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) from interested parties to develop and administer a Home Energy Rebates Program for the State of Alabama. The selected respondent will provide program implementation and marketing strategies for residents of single-family and multifamily housing with home energy rebates. Proposals are due by November 14, 2024. Learn more and download the RFP.

California – On August 31, 2024, the Assembly passed Senate Bill 1221 (Min), a significant step toward California’s carbon neutrality goals. If signed by Governor Newsom, the bill will authorize 30 Neighborhood-Scale Decarbonization projects, transitioning select neighborhoods with mixed-fuel homes to all-electric, zero-emission homes, and discontinuing natural gas service. The bill lowers the requirement for ceasing gas distribution in these areas to two-thirds customer agreement, enabling greater neighborhood electrification despite potential holdouts. This initiative could save ratepayers billions by avoiding costly gas pipeline replacements.

As electrification expands, gas customers may face rising costs, with projections showing gas bills could increase up to 900% by 2050 due to the maintenance of an aging system. Efficiency First California (EFCA) supports this bill and recognizes the contributions of the Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) and the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Governor Newsom must decide on the bill by late September.

Georgia – The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) has partnered with Everblue to provide comprehensive training to the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) network across the state. Read the announcement to learn more about training opportunities and register for upcoming courses.

Maine – Maine has launched the first of two phases of its Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program. This program will be overseen by the Maine Governor’s Energy Office and implemented by Efficiency Maine. Funded by a $36 million federal grant supported by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the program will help eligible households save money on energy bills, upgrade to clean energy equipment, improve energy efficiency in their homes, and reduce air pollution. Read the announcement.

New Mexico – New Mexico has launched its first Home Energy Rebates Program, supported by the Inflation Reduction Act. The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) portion of the rebate program will enable low- and middle-income households to save on energy efficiency improvements such as insulation, air sealing, and heat pumps that reduce whole-home energy consumption. Read the announcement.

Oregon – The Oregon Department of Energy has announced $1.2 million in grant awards to local governments across the state. The funding was available thanks to the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and transportation-related projects. Local governments were encouraged to apply earlier this year for the grants, which support projects that reduce fossil fuel emissions, lower a community’s total energy use, improve energy efficiency, and build a clean and equitable energy economy. Read the announcement.

National Industry News

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) will lead a coalition to help leading states adopt progressively stronger residential energy codes, culminating in new homes with zero greenhouse gas emissions and far lower utility bills. The Department of Energy announced it selected ACEEE and a team of partners for an award of $3.6 million to work with states representing more than a quarter of the U.S. population to develop and adopt amendments to strengthen existing model building energy codes. Read the press release.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released the 2024 U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER), a comprehensive study designed to track and understand employment trends within key energy technologies. Clean energy jobs grew in every state last year, with the U.S. adding nearly 250K clean energy jobs to the economy in 2023. Read the highlights and download the report.

Next Month’s Events

Webinar: Financial Services Discounts for BPA Members | October 16, 2024

BPA has teamed up with Enduring Planet to offer exclusive discounts on financial services to BPA members. BPA members will enjoy discounts on bookkeeping and accounting and additional CFO services, as well as government advance funding. Join us for a webinar where Enduring Planet CEO, Dimitry Gershenson, will provide an overview of Enduring Planet services and answer any questions you have about the offers. This webinar is open to all, but the discounts offered are exclusive to paid BPA members. Register here.

Conference: Virginia Clean Energy Summit | October 16 – 17, 2024

The Virginia Clean Energy Summit (VACES) brings together representatives from businesses, state and local governments, academia, and NGOs to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and explore new avenues for cooperation. By leveraging the diverse expertise of attendees, the summit aims to collectively address challenges and seize opportunities in the clean energy sector. Learn more and register.

Conference: Kentucky Governor’s Conference on Energy and Environment | October 21 – 22, 2024

Join this gathering of industry leaders to gain an understanding of our quickly evolving energy and environment landscapes and how they play into economic development efforts. A pre-conference workshop​ will be on Sunday, October 20. Learn more and register.