ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) Board of Directors approved funding of approximately $4.96 million during its Oct. 18 meeting, supporting services in Tribal Territories as part of the NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program. The program’s primary goal is to assist low-income households in reducing their energy consumption, lowering costs and improving their health and safety by implementing various energy-efficient measures in their homes. MFA administers the NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program through community-based nonprofit organizations offering statewide services.
MFA has allocated funding to two agencies to provide weatherization services for Tribal Territories:
- Central New Mexico Housing Corporation: Approximately $2,478,180
- Red Feather Development Group: Approximately $2,484,730
Central New Mexico Housing Corporation will serve the Pueblo Territory, all tribes and pueblos except for the Navajo Nation, while Red Feather Development Group will serve the Navajo Nation Territory. Depending on funding availability, it is possible for the service providers to maintain a contract from Jan. 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027. Both service providers will have the option of three one-year contract renewals. It is estimated that approximately 360 units will receive services from both providers combined during the three-year period from July 2024 through June 2027.
The NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, New Mexico Gas Company, Public Service Company of NM, New Mexico Housing Trust Fund and El Paso Electric.
David Gutierrez, MFA’s Weatherization Assistance Program Manager, emphasized the importance of home weatherization services in New Mexico.
“Many homes in New Mexico are in need of weatherization services, whether it’s replacing furnaces and/or refrigerators, adding insulation or correcting ventilation systems,” said Gutierrez. “By expanding services to Tribal Territories, we are increasing the number of New Mexicans who will benefit from this important program.”
The selection of service providers was based on criteria that included weatherization program management experience, financial strength, energy efficiency construction experience and their NM Energy$mart Program implementation plan.
For more information about the NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program and to determine eligibility, please visit https://housingnm.org/home-repair-and-energy-efficiency/energymart-weatherization-assistance.