Ottawa County Community Action Agency Recruiting Volunteer Home Energy Educators

Ottawa County Community Action Agency (OCCAA) is seeking Volunteer Home Energy Educators to assist residents in improving energy efficiency and lowering utility costs. Volunteers conduct one-on-one in-home energy appointments lasting about 60–90 minutes, helping households understand energy use and offering personalized recommendations.

Home Energy 101

WHO: OCCAA welcomes volunteers who enjoy teaching, want to serve the community, and are interested in helping families reduce energy bills.

Helpful prior experience includes:

Home inspections
Building Performance Institute (BPI) coursework or certification
Energy auditing
Building science or skilled trades

However, no technical background is required.

WHEN: Volunteers set their own schedules. The time commitment includes:

16–24 hours of initial training and shadowing,
Four 1.5-hour quarterly meetings each year (lunch provided),
1.5 hours per in-home appointment.

WHERE: Currently, in-home appointments take place in Holland.

WHY: Home Energy Educators play a vital role in helping local households improve comfort, reduce energy waste, and lower monthly utility costs — while strengthening community connections and expanding access to energy-efficiency education.

For more information or to volunteer, contact OCCAA at:
[email protected]
616-393-4433