Media Contact: Rewiring America, Yazmyn Pelaez, yazmyn@rewiringamerica.org, (702) 527-9638

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—October 3, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, October 3, Rewiring America proudly unveiled its 2024 Workforce Report, a first of its kind in-depth analysis, that demonstrates how electrifying U.S. homes and buildings can spark unprecedented job growth, bolster the economy, and advance the nation’s climate goals. This landmark report outlines the opportunity to create millions of high-quality jobs by transitioning household energy systems to cleaner, more efficient electric solutions that can bring down utility bills, and to ensure these opportunities are accessible to all communities.

Residential energy use and household vehicles account for 42% of U.S. energy-related emissions. Decarbonizing these sectors through electrification offers a unique chance to address the climate crisis while simultaneously creating a new category of jobs in the clean energy economy. The 2024 Workforce Report emphasizes the potential to generate over 1.1 million new jobs and would have an overall employment effect of over 3 million new jobs.

"This report highlights the transformative potential of electrifying our homes and buildings: creating millions of high-road clean energy jobs, reducing emissions, and building pathways to community wealth and economic development ,” said Alexandria Herr, Senior Research Associate at Rewiring America. “By investing in workforce training, ensuring strong labor standards, and prioritizing communities that have historically been left behind, we can create more clean energy career pathways for workers in every region. Together we can build an equitable and prosperous future while meeting our climate goals.”

"Electrifying our homes is about lowering energy costs, creating healthier homes, growing more high-quality jobs in the skilled trades, and providing more folks the freedom to choose the appliances that work for them. I’m proud that New Mexico is leading the nation in rolling out a Home Energy Rebates Program I secured in the Inflation Reduction Act, giving more families the benefits of high-efficiency appliances—from heat pumps for home heating and cooling to induction stovetops and electric clothes dryers," said Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM). "This report shows the enormous potential for job growth if we electrify at the pace we need. We’re building big things in America again, and the electrification workforce—from electricians to HVAC technicians to construction and utility workers—is an essential part of that. Let’s keep going.” 

“At our training center, we are creating the green jobs workforce of the future,” said David Best, Senior Trainer at Santa Fe Community College’s EnergySmart Academy.  “There are growing opportunities in electrification and energy efficiency, both for experienced tradespersons and those who are brand-new to the field. We help HVAC and plumbing professionals upgrade their skills to work with the latest heat pump technology, and we train the energy auditors and home performance contractors who help homeowners prioritize energy-saving upgrades and connect their neighbors with home electrification and energy efficiency rebates and tax credits. It’s going to take a lot of work to reduce the effects of climate change and ensure that our homes remain comfortable, healthy and resilient. But it’s rewarding work—interesting and well-compensated—and the skills are accessible to anyone with curiosity and enthusiasm.”

Rewiring America's 2024 Workforce Report calls on federal, state, and local leaders to seize this opportunity by supporting policies that lower the cost of electrification; increase the supply of affordable, electrified housing; and ensure high-road, family-sustaining job pathways. Making these investments in electrification will ensure that the economic benefits and cleaner air from electrification reach every corner of the country.

For more information, and to read the full report here.

Rewiring America is the leading electrification nonprofit, focused on electrifying our homes, businesses, and communities. We develop accessible, actionable data and tools, and build coalitions and partnerships to make going electric easier for households and communities. Rewiring America helps Americans save money, tackle nationwide emissions goals, improve health, and build the next generation of the clean energy workforce. We believe in an abundant, flourishing, climate-safe future, and know that, together, we can realize one.