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
ODOEmade funding available for this competitive grant through anOpportunity 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
| Disadvantaged Communities | Non-Specified | Total 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 theProgram Guide.