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Association Leaders Learn from Peers and IRA Experts at ACCA 2023 By Sean Robertson


Fighting for Quality Contractors in IRA Implementation


There’s no better argument for the impor- tance of strong state and local contracting associations than the coming state-by- state implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) homeowner rebate programs and contractor training grants. The IRA’s $45 billion in tax credits and


rebates have the potential to transform the residential HVAC market. But will state energy offices partner with quality contractors to deliver training and incen- tives for more comprehensive system overhauls? Or will unions hijack these funds to train legions of box swappers to steal away your customers with promises of “free heat pumps” with no attention to quality installation? That question was top of mind as 22 board and staff members from 11 Allied


Contracting Organizations (ACOs) serv- ing 18 states gathered at ACCA 2023 in New Orleans. Two leading experts on the IRA discussed the critical role that state associations can play in helping to shape their state’s program implementation and educating member contractors about these opportunities. Maddie Koewler from the National


Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) expressed that her member states are eager to partner with ACOs to ensure that consumers get the quality installation they deserve. She provided attendees with an inside look at imple- mentation plans for the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) and Homeowner Managing Energy Sav- ings (HOMES) programs. Many details remain up in the air pending guidance from DOE, but Ms. Koewler offered to follow-up with a virtual meeting and listening session for ACOs as more details emerge. Cynthia Adams of Pearl


Certification painted a picture of the broader opportunity, citing the game-changing


Both experts discussed how some


states may weave together IRA rebates, utility programs, low-income heating assistance, and state funds to create unique opportunities for no- or low-cost upgrades that look very different from each program in isolation.


Peer Exchange on Association Programs and Services


The second half of the Association Leadership Workshop was a facilitated exchange on association programs and services driven by a survey conducted in advance. Government affairs and advocacy rose


to the top as a most-valued association program. Some ACOs don’t do this at all, so several associations with outstanding government affairs programs discussed how to grow and fund these efforts. For education and training, the group


really honed in on apprenticeship pro- grams – how to start, maintain and fund them. There was also discussion of some of the legal and regulatory factors that can affect a program. When it comes to events and net-


statistic


that 23 percent of home- owners are now consid- ering proactive HVAC upgrades rather than wait- ing for a breakdown. She sought to assuage concerns about program details like utility bill


track-


ing, income qualification, and point-of-sale rebates, noting that utility aggre- gators and solar contrac- tors have overcome these obstacles for a decade. It’s anticipated that DOE and third parties like Pearl will develop solutions for IRA programs as well.


10 MAY/JUNE 2023


working, attendees got excited about discussing ideas beyond traditional golf tournaments, including a fishing tournament, a family-friendly barbeque cookoff, a chili cookoff for associate members, a bottle shop raffle, a “pour off” and poker tournament, sporting clay shoots, and baseball and hockey nights. Perhaps most inspiring was TACCA Abilene’s “Heat the Town” event, where contractors and inspectors fan out across town providing free repairs to needy families. The survey is still open and we’ll


reconvene virtually to discuss how ACO boards can strategically prioritize poten- tial programs. You’ll find the survey link and workshop materials in the ACO Com- munity at acca.org. Email membership@ acca.org to be added.


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