The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) recently conducted research and published a report on behalf of Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program to determine an effective recruitment and training strategy to support residential building energy efficiency and electrification. The report, Empowering Trade Allies for Building Efficiency and Electrification Research Project, aims to help Wisconsin best deploy federal workforce funds and building energy efficiency incentives.
MREA Executive Director Nick Hylla and Research Coordinator Kenzie Luterbach led the project, interviewing Trade Allies with the Focus on Energy program, technical college administrators and instructors, independent training programs, and apprenticeship sponsors to define needed training, hiring, and business development support.
“With the level of federal and state support available in Wisconsin, homeowners have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to cost effectively improve the performance and comfort of our homes. The recommendations in this report are meant to help contractors secure the workforce needed to scale their operations and meet the demand,” Hylla said.
The report outlines six key recommendations to prioritize workforce needs, training program investments, and strategies to scale energy efficiency and electrification initiatives “Through the research and interviews, we found a high level of interest from businesses as well as strategies that program administrators can use that leverage existing programs. Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program is recognized as one of the most cost-effective energy efficiency programs in the country and we have a strong technical college network and experienced independent training providers,” Luterbach said.
The report comes in advance of a $150 million federal award to Wisconsin as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) which will specifically fund two incentive programs: 1) Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES), and 2) Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR). The programs will provide consumer rebates to enable households to implement cost saving electrification and energy efficiency upgrades. Wisconsin is the first state to be approved for a full HOMES application by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Anica Graney, Communications Manager
Midwest Renewable Energy Association