Qualified Contractor Network (QCN) Newsletter
 Walter Fogg, Instructor, Quality Assurance Inspector and Technical Trainer at the Building Performance Council
 Energy auditor training
 Energy auditor training participants
Snohomish PUD Partners to support energy auditor training
We'd like to extend a big thank you to the Building Performance Center and Snohomish County PUD for partnering with Commerce on the Home Energy Auditor training. Congratulations to the seven students who participated in the training.
Once students pass their exams, they earn their Building Analyst-Technician (BA-T) certification and be able to run energy models and identify home-efficiency opportunities. The IRA rebates program requires contractors to have their BA-T certification, so this is an important step for new contractors in the program.
Commerce is looking to partner with utilities across Washington and would love to bring this training to your region. If your organization or utility is interested in partnering with Commerce to host a future session, contact Chelsey.Weflen@commerce.wa.gov.
The Department of Energy releases updated guidance
On June 1st, the Department of Energy released updates to the program guidelines (program notices 26-1 and 26-2). The DOE held program information sessions for states on June 4th and will release further guidance in the coming weeks.
The team is working quickly to develop a plan with the rebate administrator to move forward as soon as possible. Once the program launches, the Qualified Contractor Network will be available to the public, and applicants will be able to begin the income verification process.
QCN members should be on the lookout for communications from CLEAResult about upcoming trainings. CLEAResult will begin onboarding contractors who have completed all the required trainings in the household application platform in preparation for program launch. If you're not a QCN member, now is a good time to join so you can be ready for the work when the program launches. If you have any questions, contact your CLEAResult account manager for more information.
Commerce is committed to launching these programs as soon as we receive DOE authorization. We'll update the Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Rebates webpage as they become available.
Additional resources
July QCN Application Help Hour
If you know contractors who are interested in joining the QCN or would like to ask questions about the application process in an informal setting, Commerce suggests attending one of our QCN Application Help Hours, scheduled on the second Tuesday of every month from 12 -12:30 p.m.
Contractors can also submit questions via the QCN Contractor Support Form.
This meeting is only for QCN application questions. For questions about the program, please attend one of the sessions listed in the monthly training calendar section above.
The next QCN Application Help Hour is on July 14 from 12-12:30 p.m. If you'd like to attend, please register.
Native Clean Energy Workforce Initiative
The Native Clean Energy Workforce Initiative (NCWI) program equips native and frontline communities with the knowledge and skills needed to secure jobs in the renewable energy industries. There's no prior experience required.
Who is eligible for NCWI?
You may be eligible for NCWI if you:
- Have a high school diploma or GED at the start date of the program
- Are at least 18 years old
- Have a strong interest in gaining a technical education to help contribute to a clean energy future
- Live within the Portland seven-county area while enrolled in the program: Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill, Columbia, Clark, or Skamania
For more information, visit Native Clean Energy Workforce Initiative - Northwest Native Chamber. To apply for the next training cohort, complete the NCWI Application today.
If you have any questions about the QCN, please contact us through the QCN Contractor Support form.
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