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The U.S. Department of Energy is collaborating with Google to highlight contractors with Energy Skilled-recognized credentials, making it easier for homeowners to select qualified local technicians.
Source: Department of Energy
Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
December 18, 2024
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a new collaboration with Google to connect users of Google Search and Google Maps with highly-trained home energy technicians recognized as Energy Skilled™. Energy Skilled is a DOE designation that indicates a worker has the skills needed to perform quality work with modern building systems, leading to reduced energy use and cost.
Enabling American consumers to locate the most knowledgeable contractors to perform home energy upgrades will make it easier for them to save money and make their home more comfortable by taking advantage of the tax credits included in the Inflation Reduction Act. Already, 2.3 million families have claimed more than $2 billion in credits for energy efficient home improvements, averaging $880 per family.
Energy Skilled recognition signifies training programs and certifications that promote high-performing, reliable and comfortable buildings for Americans. Through the collaboration with Google, people now seeking information on local heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); plumbing; and home energy audit contractors through Google Search or Maps will see a new label on Google Business Profiles to indicate which contracting companies employ one or more employees with a workforce credential that is recognized as Energy Skilled by DOE.
“Providing consumers with an easy way to find local, Energy Skilled-recognized technicians ensures that Americans can access home energy assessments and upgrades,” said Jeff Marootian, principal deputy assistant secretary for DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. “This new Google feature supports a skilled workforce, enhances contractor transparency, empowers consumers with better information, and promotes high-quality home energy improvements.”
Users can use the new “U.S. Dept. of Energy Recognized” label in Google Business Profiles to find contractors to perform home energy audits and upgrades such as installing heat pumps, heat pump water heaters and more. More than 20,000 individuals have earned a professional credential from one of the dozens of Energy Skilled-recognized training programs. This feature takes the guesswork out of finding a qualified technician to perform home upgrades that require specialized training and certifications.
“As consumers come to Google looking for information on their home improvement needs, Google’s Business Profiles will now show a badge for contractors with DOE’s Energy Skilled recognition. We believe this collaboration will make it easier for people to find qualified providers offering home energy audits and heat pump installations,” said Sebnem Erzan, global head of search sustainability partnerships at Google.
A credential that is recognized as Energy Skilled equips contractors to perform quality work with modern systems and set themselves apart from the field. States may also use Energy Skilled recognition as criteria to determine eligibility for federal workforce development funding and establishing qualified contractor lists. This collaboration builds on other recently announced DOE resourcesto assist home energy contractors and their customers with selecting and installing energy-saving equipment and qualify for home upgrade tax credits.
To learn more about Energy Skilled-recognized programs, the benefits of recognition for consumers and contractors, and more, visit the Energy Skilled website.