I have been doing quite a bit of research over the past month on programs that are in place through different grants, stimulus, and just government monies in general.
I would love to know what others have found.
Here is a list of good resources and information I have compiled so far:
-AZ has a rebate program through APS and SRP for BPI training of 50% reimbursement
-NY reimburses contractors 20% of equipment purchases (infrared currently not included)
-NJ reimburses contractors 50% of equipment purchases (infrared currently not included)
-MO has a program in place to pay to re-educate people who have lost their jobs
I am sure there are a ton more training and equipment programs through out the country, I just do not have the time to research it all.
I would love this thread to be the findings of all here of incentive programs for education, equipment, or anything else that would beneficial to people interested in getting in to energy auditing or other forms of the green energy efficiency movement.
Good post Jason, here’s some more info. for performance contractors.
According to the rules and regulations of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, all contractors and sub-contractors are now required to register with the government in order to bid on and receive work.
To register go to www.ccr.gov you will need a DUNS number before you can register. Follow the links provided to get your DUNS # then register. Registrations must be completed by May 1 2009
South Dakota gave a bunch of stimulus money to a state run weatherization organization. They are doing Blower door, duct blasting and thermal all for the great price of zero dollars. They take my tax money, give it to a state organization that effectively puts me out of the energy audit business by giving away the service. Some stimulus.
Keith I am in the same boat. I tried to “get into” the deal, but the list of red tape is so long, it would virtually put me out of business trying to get in. All that for virtually no guarantee of a job on the other side.
Your not kidding about the red tape. Fortunately, because I’m approaching as a performance contractor my audits will be included in my bid for the work.
They have told me that they cannot let me do the first audit but will allow me to do the second after my work is completed. Time will tell and I agree with you guys, if you own a huge paving company you’ll get stimulus money on the other hand us small business men are most likely going to see very little.
I’ll continue to post as I progress through this whole process.
Illinois is doing the same thing. Our countyprogram got more money this year and just hired another auditor who they get certified through RESNET and provide audits for free and weatherization for free. Thanks Obama.
The money is flowing in different ways in different places. The one thing to keep in mind is, no one does the work for free. Yes I know they will come out and do the energy audit for free either through a local program or a power company program.
I have a few different customers that are doing work for the power companies. The power company charges the customer anywhere from 0 to 100 dollars for the audit. The auditor is a sub contractor that the power company is using and is paid through the power company (not $0 to $100). It is sometimes the same with the local agencies. I have a customer that just last week added on 3 more blower doors and duct blasters. He worked for some community action program in IN. He went off on his own and is now doing the work. So somehow these guys are getting reimbursed through someone or some program for their work.
The other advantage is the ability to sub any findings. If you use to or do hold a GC license you can sub out any work that you are not able to do yourself. Or just ally yourself with a solar panel installation company, geothermal, insulation, HVAC, etc.
