Residents of the Loma Del Norte Apartments in Anthony, New Mexico, are set to benefit from significant energy‑efficiency upgrades that aim to lower utility bills for low‑income households. The improvements, unveiled on Thursday, Oct. 29, were part of a local celebration of Weatherization Day and were carried out through the NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program.
State program targets affordable housing
The NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program, administered by Housing New Mexico, provides funding and technical assistance to nonprofit service providers that retrofit homes and apartments for better energy performance. In Anthony, the program funded roof and ceiling repairs, the installation of a modern heat pump, and the placement of solar panels on the complex’s roof.
Goal of at least a 30% reduction in heating and cooling costs
“Through weatherization measures, HVAC upgrades and solar panel installations, the residents of Loma Del Norte will be able to reduce heat loss in the winter and reduce heat gain in the summer months,” said Veronika Molina, executive director of Southwestern Regional Housing and Community Development Corporation. “The goal is to reduce the heating and cooling burden by at least 30% for low‑income residents.” The 30 percent figure reflects the program’s target, not a documented reduction in individual utility bills at this time.
Local partners and state support
Southwestern Regional Housing and Community Development Corporation, which has been a recipient of the Energy$mart award since 2012, coordinated the upgrades. Housing New Mexico’s chief housing officer, Donna Maestas‑De Vries, praised the collaboration, noting, “Thanks to partners like Southwestern Regional Housing and Community Development Corporation, we can help many New Mexicans lower their energy costs and improve their health through the NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program.” The program receives funding from a mix of state agencies, utility companies and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Weatherization Day and broader impact
The Anthony ceremony coincided with the 50th anniversary of the federal Weatherization Assistance Program, originally authorized by the U.S. Department of Energy in 1976. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham proclaimed Friday, Oct. 30, as Weatherization Day in New Mexico, highlighting the state’s commitment to energy‑efficient housing and reduced utility expenses for vulnerable families.
Other service providers participating in the statewide effort include Central New Mexico Housing Corporation and Red Feather Development Group. The program’s broader focus is to address both the financial strain of high energy costs and the health and safety concerns that arise from inefficient housing.
How residents can learn more
New Mexico residents interested in eligibility or additional assistance can find information through Housing New Mexico’s weatherization website. The agency encourages low‑ and moderate‑income households to explore the program’s resources, which aim to make homes safer, more comfortable and more affordable to operate.
Original reporting: Organ Mountain News (Las Cruces / Doña Ana County) — read the source article.
