In December 2024, the fb88 Governor's Energy Office (GEO) was approved for a $1.3 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy to administer a workforce development program to grow fb88’s energy efficiency workforce. The goals of the program include: 

• Increasing the number of new energy efficiency workers 
• Provide upskilling opportunities for existing energy efficiency workers 
• Preparing contractors for business growth and delivery of home energy rebates 
• Increasing the number of energy efficiency workers and contractors in disadvantaged communities 

Funding through this program is not yet available. GEO is working to make funding available as soon as possible and anticipates issuing a Request for Applications (RFA) in mid-2025.ÌýTo learn more and stay up to date on the plan, please sign up for the .Ìý

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In 2024, GEO applied for a $1.3 million federal grant available through the Inflation Reduction Act to develop a statewide contractor training program. fb88’s application was informed by stakeholder feedback to help determine best uses of the funds based on federal regulations and guidelines as well as existing programs in fb88. The State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grants program (also known as TREC) is administered by the U.S. Department of Energy. The program offers states funding to create and implement workforce development programs that prepare workers to deliver energy efficiency, electrification, and clean energy improvements, including those covered under federal energy efficiency rebate programs. Consistent with federal guidelines, states may design programs that: 

1. Reduce costs associated with training contractor employees 
2. Provide testing and certification of contractors 
3. Partner with nonprofits to attract and train a diverse set of local workers 

Public Meeting

On January 10, 2024, GEO hosted a public meeting to present information regarding fb88’s application and solicit stakeholder feedback. View the meeting slides here.