The US Department of Energy (DOE) is accepting applications for funding to upskill the workforce with energy efficiency certifications. Authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Energy Auditor Training (EAT) program will provide up to US$40 million in grants for states to train individuals to conduct energy audits or surveys of commercial and residential buildings.
“It is vital that we build a strong clean energy workforce with high-quality jobs to ensure we can deploy investments in communities across the country,” said US Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “By equipping America’s workers with additional skills, today’s funding will expand our clean energy workforce by allowing workers from broad industries to conduct energy audits in a safe and reliable way, empowering them future forward.”
EAT is part of a concerted effort at DOE to invest in a clean energy workforce that will implement the US$8.8 billion Home Energy Rebate Programs and other energy efficiency programs that will help homeowners, state, and local governments, and businesses save money and fight climate change. Similar programs such as the State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grants, Building Training and Assessment Centers, and the Career Skills Training Program decarbonize buildings through energy efficiency and electrification projects.
Applicants need to submit a Community Benefits Plan along with their application, detailing how their proposal will support local community and labor; invest in the workforce; advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; and aid economic and environmental justice initiatives. Applicants need to submit concept papers by March 28, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET and applications are due June 28, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Visit the Energy Auditor Training program webpage for more information.
