In 2023, Oregon’s legislature passed House Bill 3409, directing the Oregon Department of Energy to stand up a program that will provide $2 million in grants for projects delivering information and technical training to new and existing workers and contractors to conduct energy efficient installations and renovations.
Grant Opportunity Awarded
ODOE made funding available for this competitive grant through an Opportunity Announcement and received 20 applications requesting more than $7 million in funding for programs delivering training in one of four categories:
- HVAC Training
- Home Energy Auditing and Modeling
- Contractor Business Development
- Home Energy Efficiency Upgrades
The agency selected six organizations based on the number of qualified applicants, program needs, and demonstrated benefits to disadvantaged communities for clean workforce development.
The Awarded Organizations:
- Chemeketa Community College: Chemeketa Community College Energy Efficiency Building Technology Training Program | $601,537
- Green NW: HVAC Training Program | $188,313
- Klamath Community College: HVAC pre-and registered apprenticeship program | $338,395
- Leaders Become Legends: Green Workforce Development Program | $295,910
- Northwest Native Chamber: Clean Energy Construction Program | $400,000
- Warm Springs Construction Enterprise: Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Energy Auditing Program | $175,845
Program Budget
|
Funding | $800,000 | $1,200,000 | $2,000,000
|
Background
HB 3409 Sections 1-5 recognize the impact the built environment has on greenhouse gas emissions. The legislature allocated $2 million to the Energy Efficiency Technologies Information and Training Fund to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by accelerating the installation of heat pumps and other energy efficient appliances. ODOE has been directed to prioritize environmental justice communities and individuals who reside in houses and structures that do not have a functioning, adequate, or affordable heating or cooling system. The purpose of the fund is to reduce barriers to home energy efficiency and resiliency by providing:
- Initial and continuing technical assistance and training to build capacity in developers, builders, community-based organizations, homeowners, and tenants to conduct renovations and installations of energy efficient technologies, including heat pumps.
- Education and training to contractors, subcontractors, technicians, community-based organizations, installers, and other workers in industries related to construction and energy appliance installation.
Full details and program requirements are available in the Program Guide.