Lakes Region Community College Receives $400,000 Energy Training Grant

Photo:(12/14/10) LRCC Manager for the Grant Program, Dr. Andy Duncan (second from left), prepares for propane gas leak testing in Gilford with students, Patrick Young (Franklin- far left), Paula Samson (Laconia- second from right), and Dan Freyenhagen (Weirs Beach- far right), as part of a statewide BPI Building Analyst energy auditor training course provided by LRCC. The Laconia College is the lead partner in a $400,000 Efficiency Training Program Grant to offer building energy efficiency trainings throughout New Hampshire.

Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) is the lead participant in a $400,000 (four hundred thousand dollar) Efficiency Training Program Grant to offer building energy efficiency trainings throughout New Hampshire. The Grant is being coordinated through the NH Division of Economic Development (DED) and Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative (PAREI), supporting partners with LRCC.

"LRCC, DED, and PAREI will offer a variety of short-term energy auditor and weatherization installer training programs," says Dr. Andy Duncan (Concord), LRCC's Manager for the Grant Program. "all parties are excited about the new funding."

The Grant is funded by the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Fund (GHGERF) administered by the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission. The GHGERF consists of proceeds from the auction of carbon allowances through New Hampshire's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), an effort by 10 Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from the electric power sector.

"The Efficiency Training Program is a win-win-win for New Hampshire," says Dr. Duncan enthusiastically. "The trainings will increase the number of energy efficiency jobs; homeowners will enjoy lower energy bills; and the environment will benefit from reduced greenhouse gas emissions. With so many people out of work, the training is a real job growth opportunity for the New Hampshire economy. Weatherization jobs cannot be outsourced."

The new Training Program builds on the 13 energy auditor courses that LRCC and its community college partners have provided since September 2009 from Nashua to Littleton. More than 170 individuals have completed prior energy training certifications with Duncan and other instructors statewide. "LRCC personnel recognize the need to support fledgling energy professionals," continues Duncan, "so we will be offering mentoring, equipment rental, boot camps, and intensive programs that will give new professionals the tools and experience they need. The Efficiency Training Program will continue to offer courses that lead to nationally recognized Building Performance Institute (BPI) certifications."

The new Efficiency Training Program complements LRCC's award-winning Energy Services Technology program, the first of its type in northern New England. Students who participate in LRCC's short term trainings can continue to gain more in-depth skills and knowledge by enrolling in LRCC's energy degree programs.

For additional information contact Duncan at 524-3207.
One may also stop by the Main Campus on Prescott Hill.

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