Google, DOE Collaborate on Energy Skilled Designation

WASHINGTON — Google and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are collaborating 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 costs, the DOE said.

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 homes more comfortable by taking advantage of the tax credits included in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Already, 2.3 million families have claimed more than $2 billion in credits for home energy-efficiency improvements, the DOE said.

Through the collaboration with Google, people seeking information on HVAC, plumbing, and home energy audit contractors through Google Search or Google Maps will see a new label on Google Business Profiles that indicates which companies employ one or more people with an Energy Skilled credential.

“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 people have earned professional credentials from one of the dozens of Energy Skilled-recognized training programs, the DOE said.

“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.

States may also use Energy Skilled recognition in determining eligibility for federal workforce development funding and establishing qualified contractor lists. This DOE-Google collaboration builds on other recently announced DOE resources to assist home energy contractors and their customers with selecting and installing energy-saving equipment and qualifying 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.