The Energy Auditor Training (EAT) Program will provide Grant funding to States for the purpose of training individuals to conduct energy audits, or surveys, of commercial and residential buildings.

This program was established by Section 40503 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), more commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The goals of the program are to offer auditor training certifications that include informed curriculum and program design that aligns with current and future standards; inform or empower States with current, standardized framing of the education and training requirements for energy auditors; enlarge the pipeline of diverse talent by closing gaps in job access; address workforce inclusion deficiencies and improve disparities with underrepresented groups; connect auditor trainees to career opportunities that promote job quality and economic mobility; and inspire sustainability through intentional practices and partnerships that support infrastructure development and the long-term value of a clean energy workforce. DOE recognizes that energy auditors are instrumental for inspecting buildings, assessing current energy use, verifying whether buildings meet energy codes, zero energy codes and building performance standards, and providing recommendations that optimize efficiency and minimize costs in residential and commercial buildings.

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) seeks applications to address the skills and labor shortage by focusing on:

1. Offering energy auditor training for certifications and as a new or stackable credential to promote marketability of trainees and incumbent workers.
2. Providing States with current, standardized framing of the education and training requirements for energy auditors.
3. Enlarging the pipeline of diverse talent by closing gaps in job access, addressing workforce inclusion deficiencies, and improving disparities with underrepresented groups.
4. Connecting energy auditor trainees to high quality jobs and career opportunities that promote economic mobility.
5. Inspiring sustainability through intentional practices and partnerships that support long-term energy auditor training programs.

There are two topic areas associated with this FOA:

• Commercial Energy Auditors and
• Residential Energy Auditors.