The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that the Energy Auditor Training program (EAT) will distribute up to $40 million in grants for states, with the aim of training individuals to conduct energy audits or surveys for commercial and residential buildings. The DOE has initiated the application process for competitive funding, with a view to bolstering the workforce with energy efficiency certifications.
Backed by the $8.8 billion Home Energy Rebate Programs, EAT is focused on energy efficiency programs designed to benefit homeowners, state and local governments, and businesses. These initiatives contribute to cost savings and climate change mitigation. According to a press release by DOE, these efforts are overseen by DOE's Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP), which ensures readiness among educational institutions, industry leaders, and states for effective energy efficiency projects.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said, "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." She added that equipping America’s workers with additional skills will expand the clean energy workforce by allowing workers from broad industries to conduct energy audits in a safe and reliable way, thereby empowering them for future progress.
According to another press release by DOE, applicants are required to submit a Community Benefits Plan outlining their contributions towards local communities, workforce investment, diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and engagement in economic and environmental justice. Concept papers must be submitted by March 28, 2024, while final applications are due by June 28, 2024.
The SCEP works alongside state and local organizations to expedite the deployment of clean energy technologies. This collaboration aims at boosting economic development, creating jobs, lowering energy costs and reducing pollution through place-based strategies. Established programs such as the Weatherization Assistance Program and State Energy Program have enjoyed over 40 years of success. These are complemented by new initiatives like the Local Government Energy Program and Energy Futures Grants, according to the SCEP About webpage provided by DOE.
