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Overview
The Training for Residential Energy Contractors (TREC) program prepares workers to deliver energy efficiency, electrification, and clean energy improvements, including those covered under the Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Rebates program (IRA HER) delivered by Focus on Energy
The TREC program supports activities to meet the following objectives:
- Reduce the cost of training energy contractor employees.
- Provide access to workforce development tools for energy contractors including, but not limited to, training both entry level and upskilling; testing and certification; and business management soft skills.
- Partner with community organizations to develop and implement an equitable statewide program.
To be informed of program developments and opportunities to participate, subscribe to docket 9718-FG-2023 using
EZ e-Subscribe.
Who is eligible to apply
Applicants must submit their curricula and materials to U.S. DOE by the time they apply to be considered eligible. See the Training Curricula and Materials Approval Process section below.
The list of eligible applicants are:
- Private businesses
- Nonprofit organizations
- Technical Colleges
- The University of Wisconsin System
- Labor Organizations
- Other entity types that can meet the curricula and materials approval requirement
PSC Grants System
To apply for a PSC administered grant, applicants must submit an application using the PSC Grants System. Use the application material below for details on grant eligibility, instructions on application responses, and required documentation when submitting an application in the PSC Grants System.
Types of Eligible Activities
The types of activities that are eligible for TREC funding are listed in the Commission’s Order in docket 9718-FG-2023 and the documentation provided by the Department of Energy. These activities include items such as grants that reduce States’ cost of training contractor employees, provide testing and certification of contractors trained and educated under state programs, and support partnerships to develop and implement a state energy workforce program. Please review the order at page seven for the list of specific goals and activities the Commission has determined eligible for the first round of TREC funding.
Program Materials
Details are coming soon. Check back for updates.
Training Curricula and Materials Approval Process
To be eligible for TREC funds, applicants must submit their curricula and materials to U.S. DOE by the time they apply. DOE maintains lists of approved training curricula and certifications on each of the occupation pages listed here. Curricula and certifications that are not listed should apply following the steps below.
To submit your training curriculum to DOE, please follow the steps below and outlined in DOE’s fact sheet and website.
- Fill out the Recognition Form and an applicable Scoring Tool:
- Score your program following the instructions in the Scoring Tool.
- Gather your materials that support your scoring (syllabus, examination outline, learning objectives, course outlines, certification requirements, and any other materials).
- Submit the “Recognition Form,” your curricula materials, and your completed “Scoring Tool” to bsesc@pnnl.gov.
OPTIONAL: You can copy
OEI@wisconsin.gov on your submittal email. A copy of the confirmation email must be included with the application.
Webinars
Details will be posted soon. Check back for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Details will be posted soon. Check back for updates.
Resources for Grant Applicants
OEI Map
The OEI Map provides applicants with relevant information as they prepare OEI Grant Applications. The map layers include:
EIGP Specific Layers:
- Disadvantaged and Tribal Communities
- Wisconsin Rural Counties and Zip Codes
Additional Available Layers:
-
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Risk Index
- Electric Utility Service Territories
-
Municipal and County Boundaries
OEI Map Navigate the OEI Map: PDF Handout
Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool
The Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) Map can be used to provide applicants a visual, mapped representation of the project location highlighting the areas that will benefit from the proposed project. Applicants may also use the CEJST map as a resource for identifying census tracts benefitting from project implementation.
Questions about Current Grants or Additional Resources
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