California Training for Residential Energy Contractors (CA-TREC)

The California Energy Commission (CEC) is administering the California Training for Residential Energy Contractors (CA-TREC) program under the Inflation Reduction Act Residential Energy Rebate Programs. This initiative aims to support statewide residential building electrification and efficiency contractor training projects in California. With a total funding pool of approximately $9.29 million, the CA-TREC program is designed to foster the development of a skilled workforce capable of supporting the state’s long-term market transformation in energy-efficient technologies. The program is structured to enhance the accessibility and affordability of contractor training while reducing energy usage in residential buildings and creating quality employment opportunities throughout the state. Funded projects must address key objectives such as reducing the cost of training, supporting testing and certifications for contractors, and building a trained workforce that aligns with California’s energy efficiency and climate goals. The program mandates that eligible training initiatives cover installation and maintenance of residential energy efficiency equipment like heat pumps, HVAC systems, and heat pump water heaters. It further encourages integration of refrigerant recovery and reclamation training to comply with federal and state regulations. CA-TREC funding is divided among three distinct project groups: Pre-Apprenticeship & Apprenticeship, Workforce Enablement, and New and Expanding Contractor Training. Each group has unique eligibility requirements and funding ceilings, ranging from approximately $640,000 to $5 million per award. Projects must be conducted within California and serve local populations, especially targeting rural communities and economically or environmentally disadvantaged groups. Recipients are required to submit a project schedule, budget, and scope of work that clearly distinguish between activities funded under the initial tranche (45% of the award) and those planned for a second tranche, which is contingent on approval from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, nonprofits, for-profit entities, tribal organizations, and state and local government entities. All applicants must already operate a pre-existing workforce training program and demonstrate a strong track record of delivering services aligned with residential energy efficiency. Applicants must provide a robust Measurement and Verification (M&V) Plan that details how participant outcomes such as training completion, certifications earned, and job placement will be tracked and reported. Applications must be submitted via the Energy Commission Agreement Management System (ECAMS) by 11:59 PM on January 16, 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit by 5:00 PM due to potential technical delays. All application materials must be submitted in specified formats, with required attachments including a Project Narrative, Budget, Scope of Work, and CEQA Compliance Form. Commitment letters must be included to demonstrate match funding, which is required to fully cover administrative costs. Support letters are also mandatory to validate community and stakeholder interest. Evaluation of submissions will occur in two stages. First, applications are screened for completeness and eligibility. Successful applicants will then be scored on criteria such as team qualifications, community focus, program implementation, and cost-effectiveness. Awards are anticipated to be announced in March 2026, with agreements expected to start in August 2026 and conclude by July 31, 2028. The CEC retains the right to adjust funding amounts and conditions based on availability and federal guidance.

Clearly separate Tranche 1 vs 2; align match letters with budget; include DOE-recognized certifications.