ORGANIZATIONS AWARDED GRANTS TO BUILD VIRGINIA’S ENERGY EFFICIENCY WORKFORCE
VAEEC and FLIPP Inc. honor recipients of the Energy Efficiency Workforce Initiative
Hampton Roads, Virginia — August 9th, 2025. The Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) and FLIPP Inc. are celebrating the first round of awards to local
contractors as part of the Energy Efficiency Trades Workforce Development Program, born out of VAEEC’s Energy Efficiency Workforce Initiative (EEWI). The program leverages VAEEC’s statewide network and FLIPP Inc.’s on-the-ground community engagement to support workforce development. Together, we are bridging gaps and building capacity for a stronger, more inclusive energy efficiency workforce across Virginia.
The event is part of a press tour across the Commonwealth celebrating the first cohort of awardees. These grants support training, education, and job placement efforts for careers in energy efficiency, an industry critical to achieving climate goals and building economic resilience.
“They say no one wants to work in the trades, but it’s not that. It’s that we don’t have the opportunities or the proper training to get into the field,” said Mr. Terrell Davis, CEO of Kimora Consulting Contractors.
“We are proud to partner with FLIPP Inc. on this innovative, statewide initiative,” said Chelsea Harnish, Executive Director of the VAEEC. “By supporting energy efficiency contractors and trades across Virginia, we are advancing workforce development, promoting equity, and driving a sustainable energy future.”
“Diversifying while simultaneously advancing the skilled trade industries fosters innovation, enhances problem-solving and enables businesses like Kimora Consulting Contractors to adapt to changing needs and challenges – especially within the Hampton Roads Region”, said Raye Elliott, Co-Founder & Executive Director, FLIPP Inc.
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About VAEEC:
Founded in 2012, VAEEC is a 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Richmond, whose goal is to facilitate discussions and share resources to advance energy efficiency throughout the Commonwealth. We engage our members to identify barriers to and opportunities for energy efficiency advancement, and to develop a strong, fact-based, and balanced industry voice before local, state, and national policymakers and regulators. Our diverse group of over 100 members includes Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, local governments, state agencies, and more, whose vision is for energy efficiency to be an integral part of Virginia’s economy and clean energy future.
About FLIPP Inc.:
FLIPP Inc. is a Black-, female-, veteran-, and justice-impacted-led, NABCEP-accredited 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to create an inclusive workforce that reduces employment barriers for justice-impacted individuals, veterans, BIPOC, women, and youth, and empowers low-income communities with renewable energy and entrepreneurship development training.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: AUGUST 5TH, 2025
ORGANIZATIONS AWARDED GRANTS TO BUILD VIRGINIA’S ENERGY EFFICIENCY WORKFORCE
VAEEC and FLIPP Inc. honor recipients of the Energy Efficiency Workforce Initiative
Glen Allen, Virginia — August 5th, 2025. Today, the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) and FLIPP Inc. are celebrating the first round of awards to local contractors as part of the Energy Efficiency Trades Workforce Development Program born out of VAEEC’s Energy Efficiency Workforce Initiative (EEWI). The program leverages VAEEC’s statewide network and FLIPP Inc.’s on-the-ground community engagement to support workforce development. Together, we are bridging gaps and building capacity for a stronger, more inclusive energy efficiency workforce across Virginia.
The event is part of a press tour across the Commonwealth celebrating the first cohort of awardees. These grants support training, education, and job placement efforts for careers in energy efficiency, an industry critical to achieving climate goals and building economic resilience.
“This funding will be instrumental in assisting with the costs of training the workforce of the future. The organization is grateful to FLIPP inc. and the VAEEC for the investment in the community’s workforce. The grant expands the organization’s reach and equips individuals with valuable lifetime skills for the current job market, while strengthening the local economies across two states” said a Quick A.C Quote representative.
“We are proud to partner with FLIPP Inc. on this innovative, statewide initiative,” said Chelsea Harnish, Executive Director of the VAEEC. “By supporting energy efficiency contractors and trades across Virginia, we are advancing workforce development, promoting equity, and driving a sustainable energy future.”
“Innovative and novel programs like the Trades Workforce Development Program funded by the EEWI represent a down payment on accelerating workforce development within the skilled trades across the State of Virginia and addressing funding gaps that are affecting that innovation and deployment. This award to Quick AC Quote demonstrates our collective commitment to encouraging employment of women in Registered Apprenticeship, OJT and non-traditional occupations and the delivery of supportive services, as well as employer incentives.,” said Raye Elliott, FLIPP Inc. Co-Founder and Executive Director.
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About VAEEC:
Founded in 2012, VAEEC is a 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Richmond, whose goal is to facilitate discussions and share resources to advance energy efficiency throughout the Commonwealth. We engage our members to identify barriers to and opportunities for energy efficiency advancement, and to develop a strong, fact-based, and balanced industry voice before local, state, and national policymakers and regulators. Our diverse group of over 100 members includes Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, local governments, state agencies, and more, whose vision is for energy efficiency to be an integral part of Virginia’s economy and clean energy future.
About FLIPP Inc.:
FLIPP Inc. is a Black-, female-, veteran-, and justice-impacted-led, NABCEP-accredited 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to create an inclusive workforce that reduces employment barriers for justice-impacted individuals, veterans, BIPOC, women, and youth, and empowers low-income communities with renewable energy and entrepreneurship development training.
VAEEC and FLIPP Inc. honor recipients of the Energy Efficiency Workforce Initiative
Dillwyn, Virginia — August 4th, 2025. Today, the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) and FLIPP Inc. are celebrating the first round of awards to local contractors as part of the Energy Efficiency Trades Workforce Development Program born out of VAEEC’s Energy Efficiency Workforce Initiative (EEWI). The program leverages VAEEC’s statewide network and FLIPP Inc.’s on-the-ground community engagement to support workforce development. Together, we are bridging gaps and building capacity for a stronger, more inclusive energy efficiency workforce across Virginia.
The event is part of a press tour across the Commonwealth celebrating the first cohort of awardees. These grants support training, education, and job placement efforts for careers in energy efficiency, an industry critical to achieving climate goals and building economic resilience.
“This grant is definitely appreciated and will help me expand business opportunities in our community in South Central, Virginia,” said Terrence Johnson, Owner of Professional Drain Service.
“We are proud to partner with FLIPP Inc. on this innovative, statewide initiative,” said Chelsea Harnish, Executive Director of the VAEEC. “By supporting energy efficiency contractors and trades across Virginia, we are advancing workforce development, promoting equity, and driving a sustainable energy future.”
“The Skilled Trades Workforce Program is making a difference for individuals entering and skilling up in the trades. At the same time, the program benefits employers by supporting them to provide on-the-job training, registered apprenticeships, and business development. By investing in skilled trades employers, we’re creating career pathways for skilled tradesmen and advancing energy efficiency across the Commonwealth,” said Emily Axelbaum, FLIPP Inc. Project Coordinator.
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About VAEEC:
Founded in 2012, VAEEC is a 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Richmond, whose goal is to facilitate discussions and share resources to advance energy efficiency throughout the Commonwealth. We engage our members to identify barriers to and opportunities for energy efficiency advancement, and to develop a strong, fact-based, and balanced industry voice before local, state, and national policymakers and regulators. Our diverse group of over 100 members includes Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, local governments, state agencies, and more, whose vision is for energy efficiency to be an integral part of Virginia’s economy and clean energy future.
About FLIPP Inc.:
FLIPP Inc. is a Black-, female-, veteran-, and justice-impacted-led, NABCEP-accredited 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to create an inclusive workforce that reduces employment barriers for justice-impacted individuals, veterans, BIPOC, women, and youth, and empowers low-income communities with renewable energy and entrepreneurship development training.
The Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) applauds E4TheFuture and Building Performance Association’s 2024 Energy Efficiency Jobs in America report, highlighting the significant role of energy efficiency in Virginia’s energy landscape. With 76,685 jobs, energy efficiency stands as the largest energy sector in the Commonwealth. Energy efficiency jobs encompass a wide range of activities, including the manufacturing and installation of high-efficiency systems, design and construction of high-performance buildings, and the upgrading of HVAC and water heating equipment. Notably, 94.5% of Virginia’s energy efficiency businesses are small enterprises with fewer than 100 employees, emphasizing the sector’s contribution to local economies.
The report reveals that energy efficiency jobs are distributed across all counties in Virginia, with significant concentrations in metropolitan areas such as Richmond, Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, and the Virginia-Arlington-Alexandria region. This widespread presence shows the sector’s importance to the state’s economy and its potential for further growth.
However, the report highlights areas requiring attention. While energy efficiency workers constitute 22% of Virginia’s construction workforce, there is a need to enhance diversity within the industry. The data indicates that minorities and women are underrepresented. VAEEC’s Energy Efficiency Workforce Initiative aims to improve this by advocating for targeted training and support to ensure the workforce reflects the communities it serves. Read more about the initiative here.
VAEEC remains committed to advancing energy efficiency across the Commonwealth. We are celebrating the achievements to date and are dedicated to addressing the challenges identified in the report. By advocating for a more inclusive workforce and supporting small businesses, we aim to amplify the benefits of energy efficiency for all.
Virginia Hits Energy-Efficiency Milestone
Ranks No. 1 in South, Breaks into Top 25 in New Ranking
The Virginia Energy Efficiency Council heralds a new research report, released today, that names Virginia as the regional leader of the South for its energy efficiency practices.
Virginia had its best year on the annual State Energy Efficiency Scorecard, a nationwide analysis of states based on “their policy and program efforts to save energy and pursue efficiency as a cost-effective, critical tool for slashing emissions and meeting state clean energy goals.”
“We’re thrilled to see Virginia named as a state to watch and break into the Top 25,” said Chelsea Harnish, executive director of the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC). “This is a reflection of the hard work that went into passing the Virginia Clean Economy Act and the efforts of the energy efficiency industry in the Commonwealth.”
The annual scorecard is published by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and can be found at aceee.org. Among the report’s findings:
“Virginia was among the top energy stories of 2020, creating its first-ever clean energy standard and becoming the first state in the Southeast with a 100% clean electricity goal. The Virginia Clean Economy Act also established an energy efficiency resource standard that sets multiyear electric savings targets for utilities and includes important measures to support low-income customers and reduce energy burdens. The governor also signed HB 981, making Virginia the first southern state to join RGGI, with proceeds going toward energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate mitigation measures.”
Industry Often in the Shadows Drives $1.5B in Revenue and 75,000 Jobs
Richmond, Virginia (May 19, 2017) — Virginia’s economy is stronger thanks to the role of energy efficiency, according to a new report released today by the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) that finds the industry drives $1.5B in annual revenue and accounts for more than 75,000 jobs. The full report, “Why Energy Efficiency is a Smart Investment for Virginia,” is available at www.vaeec.org/data and was presented at the VAEEC spring meeting in Richmond. The report lays out five specific policy recommendations that will not only help the industry continue to grow but will also play a role in future carbon reduction strategies the Commonwealth may pursue.
“With uncertainty about the future of energy efficiency policies and resources at the federal level, it is more important than ever for states to recognize the enormous potential of energy efficiency to advance smart energy solutions,” said Chelsea Harnish, VAEEC Executive Director. “The VAEEC’s 80+ members prove to us everyday that energy efficiency has tremendous potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, shrink utility bills, conserve natural resources, and reduce pollution. Our report outlines an ambitious plan to tap that potential.”
In 2013, the VAEEC released the first-ever census report documenting the energy efficiency industry in the Commonwealth. Our newest report shows that revenue generated from the energy efficiency sector has grown from nearly $300 million in 2013 to $1.5 billion in 2016. The U.S. Department of Energy has found that the industry is responsible for 75,000 jobs across the state.
The report offers five policy recommendations, specifically addressed to the incoming Governor, deemed “the smartest, fastest, most effective routes we can take to put Virginia on the path toward a clean energy future and stronger economy.” They are:
- Expand utility energy efficiency program opportunities in Virginia
- Support the adoption of Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing across the Commonwealth
- Adopt rigorous energy building codes for new home construction without weakening amendments
- Expand performance-based contracting for state-owned buildings and public institutions of higher education
- Provide and support opportunities for benchmarking of state, local and commercial buildings
According to the most recent update to the Virginia Energy Plan, each of these policy recommendations are critical for Virginia to meet our energy efficiency goal of 10% electricity savings by 2022. The final report from the Executive Order 57 Working Group, which was released this week as well, also highlights the the important role energy efficiency can play in reducing carbon pollution. Two of the five recommendations made by the Working Group are specific to the energy efficiency industry: 1) Updating state building codes to reflect current technology and standards and 2) Developing an energy efficiency accounting and registry tool.
The report pairs each recommendation with a case study of that policy in action, including:
- Project:HOMES weatherized a veterans housing complex in Richmond through Dominion’s Energy Share program
- The Virginia Center for Housing Research at Virginia Tech found that multi-family apartments that were built to EarthCraft, above building code, standards saved families $650 a year.
- The Virginia Department of Corrections integrated Energy Performance Contracting into their building operations to cut costs
- A Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financed project at a retirement community in neighboring Kentucky is expected to achieve 37% energy savings
- In Arlington County, commercial property owners participated in a voluntary benchmarking program competition, which resulted in millions of dollars in cost savings
“This report should open a dialogue among energy efficiency stakeholders, policymakers, regulators, businesses, and local and state government agencies about how best to augment the implementation of energy efficient technologies and services,” said David Steiner of D+R International and Chair of the VAEEC Board of Directors. “The many benefits to consumers, property owners, ratepayers, local and state governments, and industry warrant aggressive adoption of best practices to implement energy efficiency throughout the Commonwealth, from the kitchen electrical outlet to the power grid.”
Contact: Chelsea Harnish, VAEEC, 804.457.8619
Download the full Annual Report.
The 2014 – 2015 membership year saw the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council make great strides towards its goal of growing the energy efficiency industry in the Commonwealth. Not only did we initiate and facilitate successful conversations on policy and regulation, we were also very pleased to see some of our long-held recommendations implemented by Virginia’s new Governor in the updated Virginia Energy Plan.
One recommendation was for the formation of a stakeholder group to identify where we stood with respect to: our state’s voluntary energy efficiency goal, how it was going to be tracked, and what the plan
was to achieve it. The appointed Governor’s Executive Committee on Energy Efficiency is just the kind of stakeholder group needed, and we welcome its mandate to assist the state in meeting the voluntary goal through an actionable plan. Four of the VAEEC’s Governance Board Directors participate on the Committee, and other Directors participate in subcommittees to support the GEC’s work.
The VAEEC is also proud to have been part the state energy office’s winning proposal team on a Dept. of Energy State Energy Program grant. As a subrecipient on this award, we will support the GEC’s efforts as a convener, technical assistance provider, and sounding board for policies and implementation strategies.
Lastly, the VAEEC thanks its primary funder, the Energy Foundation for its continued support and guidance. We have leveraged its grant many times over through our partnerships, proposals, and programs – and are very grateful for the capacity it gives us.
Warm regards to our members and fellow energy efficiency supporters,
Cynthia Adams, VAEEC Governance Board Chair
CEO, Pearl National Home Certification
October 27, 2015 — The VAEEC is pleased to welcome Chelsea Harnish as Executive Director. She takes the helm on November 2. Members and other stakeholders are invited to meet Chelsea at the VAEEC meeting on November 12.
Chelsea brings an extensive network of contacts working on clean energy and energy efficiency in the Commonwealth, a rich history of engaging with state agency staff, industry and utility representatives, and a decade’s experience in energy policy and the nonprofit sector.
She comes to the VAEEC from the Virginia Conservation Network where she helped partners working on climate and energy issues strategically plan their approaches to achieving their collective goals. She also served as the Virginia Policy Coordinator for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network and played a variety of roles with a small nonprofit on Cape Cod in Massachusetts advocating for the Cape Wind project, America’s first announced offshore wind project.
“I look forward to continuing to work in the energy sector in this new capacity,” said Chelsea. “Energy efficiency is a vital component to energy policy discussions and the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council plays a crucial role in supporting programs and policies that advance energy efficiency in Virginia.”
“As Virginia develops plans for federal Clean Power Plan compliance and meeting the state’s voluntary energy efficiency goal, the energy efficiency industry is poised to take center stage. It’s a crucial moment for the businesses, local and state government, and utilities we represent. Chelsea has the experience and expertise to position the VAEEC and its members at the forefront of this opportunity,” said Cynthia Adams, VAEEC Governance Board Chair.
by Ken Rosenfeld, Executive Director
There’s been growing momentum in the past few years for energy efficiency, along with a mounting wave of evidence related to its benefits and its potential. Perhaps that’s why it’s headline-inducing when a piece of news goes in the other direction. That was the case earlier this summer when an economics research paper was released by the University of Chicago. It asked in its title, “Do Energy Efficiency Investments Deliver?” and the report responded with a conclusion that the costs outweigh the benefits.
I hesitate to even mention this paper and bring any additional attention to it, as the research has been quickly, thoroughly and appropriately debunked. But at the same time, it serves as a worthwhile reminder that, despite all of the evidence in support of efficiency programs, we still need to continue making the argument that EE benefits are real.
The paper has clear shortcomings, with a number of questionable assumptions including how to measure costs, what should be included as benefits, and which populations are targeted. The primary danger is that this analysis of one program (the Weatherization Assistance Program) in one state (Michigan) could lead to far-reaching, negative conclusions on EE more broadly.
A number of highly-regarded organizations responded, representing a variety of perspectives, and these blog posts are worth a read:
We’re on the cusp of an energy efficiency moment in the U.S., and that’s particularly the case in Virginia where in just the last year we’ve seen:
- Governor McAuliffe’s formation of a committee to address the state‘s longstanding goal of reducing energy use by 10%;
- The appointment of the country’s first state-level chief energy efficiency officer;
- Bipartisan passage of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing legislation; and
- Continued growth of the VAEEC’s membership and the energy efficiency industry – the latest VAEEC census reveals a $2.2 billion EE industry in Virginia supporting more than 13,000 jobs.
However, we haven’t reached the point where we can assume that everyone recognizes the value of energy efficiency, and we have to continue to build this consensus in order to turn the promise of EE into reality. This one research paper may have its faults – and it does — but it has served as a useful call to action.
Monday, August 3, 2015
This afternoon, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its long-anticipated final rule on the Clean Power Plan (CPP), a federal initiative for curbing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. The CPP calls for a significant reduction in carbon emission from the nation’s power sector – a 32 percent reduction below 2005 levels by 2030. The CPP sets state-by-state targets for emission reductions and allows states to develop their own compliance plans. Details can be found here.
Statement by Ken Rosenfeld, executive director of the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council:
“After much anticipation, the Clean Power Plan is here and the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) recognizes this as an opportunity to plan for the future and make sensible energy decisions.
While the Clean Power Plan has generated plenty of debate, it’s time now for Virginia to prepare a comprehensive strategy to address the plan’s goals. To that end, the VAEEC strongly encourages Virginia to include a robust role for energy efficiency in its compliance plan. Energy efficiency can help meet the federal guidelines while concurrently generating significant economic and environmental benefits for Virginians.
There are a few specific items in the final rule that deserve particular mention:
- Energy efficiency is no longer specified as a “building block” – a category used by the EPA to calculate the emissions reduction targets. This is a technical change that was reportedly made to address legal concerns, but it’s important to note that it does not affect the significance of energy efficiency as one of the primary compliance tools available to states to meet their targets.
- It specifically creates a Clean Energy Incentive Program, which offers credits to states that implement energy efficiency programs in low-income communities.
- It allows states to request extensions for submitting their implementation plans, and extends the deadline to begin the compliance period from 2020 to 2022; this development provides the time needed to develop thoughtful and comprehensive plans, and allows for careful consideration of how energy efficiency will be incorporated.
We know that an increased emphasis on energy efficiency needs to be part of any comprehensive approach. Energy efficiency is a rare “win-win” in energy policy, a common sense, nonpartisan, and cost-effective solution:
- It’s the lowest-cost resource option to meet Virginia’s energy supply needs,
- It’s the cleanest option as it represents energy that’s not consumed,
- Through demand reduction it improves our energy system by reducing risk and increasing reliability, and
- It promotes local economic development and job creation – an industry census performed by the VAEEC reveals a $2.2 billion energy efficiency industry in Virginia supporting at least 13,000 jobs at more than 500 firms.
The VAEEC represents a wide range of perspectives, and we look forward to working with the McAuliffe Administration, state agencies, policymakers and our many partners as Virginia devises the best path forward to meeting the Clean Power Plan goals.”
The Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) is a broad coalition working to assess and support innovative programs, policies and best practices that encourage energy efficiency in the Commonwealth and to provide a forum for stakeholder interaction. The VAEEC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose membership includes businesses of all sizes, utilities, nonprofit and advocacy organizations, local governments and state agencies. For more information, visit www.vaeec.org.
contractors as part of the Energy Efficiency Trades Workforce Development Program, born out of VAEEC’s Energy Efficiency Workforce Initiative (EEWI). The program leverages VAEEC’s statewide network and FLIPP Inc.’s on-the-ground community engagement to support workforce development. Together, we are bridging gaps and building capacity for a stronger, more inclusive energy efficiency workforce across Virginia.
