Commerce selects Guidehouse to run IRA Home Rebate programs
Commerce has chosen Guidehouse to serve as the rebate administrator for the IRA Home Energy Rebate programs. With experience supporting similar initiatives in Colorado, Wisconsin, Georgia and Michigan, Guidehouse brings a strong background in program design and administration. They'll conduct training and onboarding for contractors participating in the Qualified Contractor Network. This training will cover the processes and requirements associated with the IRA Home Energy Rebates.
In addition to training, Guidehouse will issue payments to contractors for completed rebate-related work. They will manage the receipt of rebate applications submitted by homeowners, renters and building owners. Commerce will send additional updates regarding training schedules, onboarding procedures, and payment processing protocols in the next several months, in preparation for a late fall program launch.
QCN program updates
 We updated the QCN Contractor Requirements to clarify what contractors must provide and what is acceptable for specific services under the IRA Home Energy Rebate programs. You can see the updated document in the QCN Resources folder.
An information disclosure authorization was also added to the QCN Application. This ensures transparency for contractors about the information that will be shared with the rebate administrator, customers and program partners. If you submitted your QCN application before August 17, 2025, you'll need to complete the information disclosure authorization when you're admitted to the network. The rebate administrator will handle this part of the process.
Last, the QCN Resource folder has been organized with new subfolders for application specific resources and translated documents. Check it out today.
LNI Contractor Training Day presentation
The Commerce IRA Rebates Team is excited to be invited to Washington’s Department of Labor and Industries Contractor Training Day on September 12 at Edmonds Community College in Lynnwood, WA. The team will present information about the IRA Home Energy Rebate programs and the Qualified Contractor Network.
The event will provide training and information for construction contractors about laws and regulations related to operating a successful business in Washington. Other classes will include information on state taxes, safety and customer service.
If you're interested in attending or would like more information, please visit their event page. Please contact the LNI Contractor Training Department with any questions at LNITraining@lni.wa.gov.
Don’t buy the tool. Borrow it.
Tools are expensive, especially when you know it isn't something you're going to use every day. Tool libraries are a great way to help contractors get the tools needed for a project if they cannot afford to buy them.
State tool libraries let you borrow tools for days or weeks at a time. This is a great opportunity for new contractors to buy all the tools needed for projects. Each library has its own rules, so contact the one closest to you to find out how you can take advantage of this opportunity.
Energy auditors requested
Households in the IRA HOMES program must complete a residential energy audit to project energy savings. Whether you're an independent energy auditing business or you offer energy audits as a part of your HVAC installation, Commerce wants to increase the number of energy auditors in Washington state.
Gain the expertise needed to become an energy auditor in the QCN by becoming certified as an energy auditor. Explore training and certification opportunities with the following organizations:
- Building Performance Institute
- Association of Energy Engineers
- American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers
- Home Energy Rating System
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
- Investor Confidence Project
Before you register, confirm that the training or certification is approved by QCN by checking the QCN Contractor Requirements document.
Your help is needed: Take a short survey about Manual J calculations
If you currently size heat pumps for residential homes using a Manual J load calculation, we’d love to hear what software you use. Please take this one-question poll to help inform our IRA rebate programs.
Additional resources
Training and certification opportunities at the Building Performance Center
The Building Performance Center offers a variety of training for residential building professionals including BPI energy auditor certification, courses on air sealing and weatherization, and more. Visit the website for more information.
Skill up through BetterBuilt Northwest’s live and on-demand trainings
Stay ahead of homebuyer expectations and code changes by gaining valuable insights on how to build energy-efficient, healthy, comfortable homes. You can find a full list of courses at BetterBuiltNW.
Register for fall 2025 BOC fundamentals of energy efficient building operations
Building Operator Certification (BOC) Level I Multifamily course helps facilities and staff advance their skills and careers in energy-efficient operations of multifamily facilities.
Studies show that BOC-credentialed facilities staff can significantly reduce annual utility costs. The course includes seven classes, work-site projects and open book tests. Register for the course and attend September 16, 2025.
These trainings are not affiliated with Department of Commerce, the IRA Home Rebate Programs, or the Qualified Contractor Network in any way.
If you have any questions about the QCN, please contact us through our new support form.
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