Calling All Local Skilled Workers: Join CCED’s Energy Coaching & Auditing Program

Local county clean energy districts focus on strengthening their community by leading, implementing, and accelerating the inclusive transition to clean energy use. When communities spend less on energy, they have more for personal and collective bottom lines.

Efforts to place boots on the ground for grassroots advocacy and education lead to community implementation of clean energy solutions. Locally owned clean energy resources and energy efficiency upgrades retain energy dollars in the community, reducing the percentage of income spent on energy for a stronger rural economy. With increasing levels of implementation, area contractors can meet market demand by diversifying their offerings and attracting new expertise, culminating in more rural job opportunities for skilled workers.

To facilitate this transition, the Clayton County Energy District (CCED) has spent the last several months working in partnership with other clean energy districts within the Clean Energy District network to strengthen technical assistance offerings. Previously, the CCED has offered Green Iowa Americorps teams and personalized energy coaching for farms, local businesses and non-taxable entities like municipalities, daycares, and churches.

Currently, the CCED has secured funding targeted toward providing full energy audits and follow-up coaching for low- to moderate-income households. These services will produce personalized plans for households with high energy burden, including energy efficiency and clean energy recommendations to reduce energy bills.

The Clayton County Energy District is seeking local independent contractors interested in partnering to provide energy auditing and coaching services through the Clean Energy Technical Assistance Program. As CCED finalizes key program details, they are building a network of skilled professionals ready to help Clayton County residents reduce their energy burden and make their homes more efficient and comfortable.

As a first step, CCED hosted an Energy Workforce Summit on Friday, April 25, at Keystone AEA in Elkader. The event brought together local contractors, social service providers, elected officials, workforce development leaders, and educators.

CEDI Senior Network Coach Joleen Jansen Framing the energy district landscape.

Key discussion topics included:

• Existing energy services and gaps in availability.
• The need for skilled, local technical assistance.
• Strategies to strengthen the energy workforce pipeline.
• Opportunities for collaboration with technical schools, educators, and contractors.

While several programs serve low-income households, community partners emphasized the need for deeper collaboration to expand energy savings opportunities, especially where funding, staffing, or education limits access. Core to its mission, CCED is stepping up to provide the “boots on the ground” energy coaching and technical support to help fill these gaps.

Next Steps: CCED will build a roster of willing and qualified local contractors, gathering interested providers in June. This follow-up gathering will focus on developing a pool of contracted workers to deliver energy coaching and auditing services across Clayton County.

The CCED would love to connect with local contractors, technicians, tradespersons, or others interested in being part of this important work. This is an opportunity to grow local businesses, serve the community, and be part of the clean energy transition in a meaningful way. 

Email Kelsi Davis, kdavis@claytoncountyia.gov or visit ClaytonCounty.EnergyDistrict.org to learn more and get involved.