VENTURA, Calif. — During their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 24, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved the Skilled and Trained Residential Heat Pump Workforce and Rebate Initiative, a new program designed to help residents upgrade to energy-efficient heating and cooling systems while creating local job opportunities. The initiative, supported by a $250,000 grant from the Clean Power Alliance Innovation Fund, will be implemented over the next two years. The program focuses on expanding access to residential heat pumps, which are all-in-one systems that provide both heating and cooling using less energy than traditional equipment.
“This investment, made possible through grant funding, is about delivering real, practical solutions that benefit both our environment and our local economy,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Jeff Gorell. “By expanding access to energy-efficient heat pump technology and supporting a skilled local workforce, we’re helping reduce upfront costs for residents while creating quality jobs here in Ventura County. This is the kind of forward-thinking partnership that strengthens our communities and supports a more sustainable future.”
A key part of the initiative is its focus on workforce development to support local workers and businesses. The County of Ventura will partner with Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union 104 to train skilled technicians and help small HVAC businesses grow. Funding will provide scholarships, tools and advanced training to build a highly qualified local workforce.
As part of this effort, eligible residents will be able to receive point-of-sale rebates to help lower the cost of installation when they work directly with a contractor affiliated with Local 104. This approach connects residents with trained professionals while expanding access to high-quality, energy-efficient systems. The program is expected to result in at least 100 new heat pump installations across Ventura County. It will also support a minimum of four local small businesses and expand the region’s skilled workforce in clean energy technologies. These efforts are designed to build long-term capacity in the local economy.
“This program is a strong example of how innovation and sustainability can work together to benefit our community,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson, County Executive Officer. “We are providing residents opportunities to switch to cleaner, more efficient heating and cooling systems while also creating good local jobs and supporting small businesses.
Heat pumps and their ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are a key part of the County’s Climate Action Plan and goal to help improve energy efficiency in homes across the county. By increasing access to these systems, the County aims to make clean energy solutions more affordable and widely available to residents.
“This investment from the Clean Power Alliance allows us to bridge the gap between climate goals and community action,” said Alejandra Tellez, Deputy Executive Officer for the Sustainability Division. “By supporting both a skilled local workforce and direct rebates for residents, we are making energy-efficient heat pump technology accessible while strengthening our local economy. This $250,000 grant ensures that Ventura County residents have financial support and the expert workforce needed to transition to a cleaner, more resilient future.”
Residents interested in participating in the program or learning about rebate opportunities can get more information by contacting info@3c-ren.org.
