MESCALERO, N.M. – At a celebration of energy efficiency, a home that benefitted from the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority’s (MFA) NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program was highlighted at the 2023 Weatherization Day event in Mescalero, New Mexico, on Oct. 30.
One of MFA’s dedicated service providers, the Southwestern Regional Housing and Community Development Corporation (SRHCDC) performed energy-efficient upgrades to the showcased home. This transformative project includes the addition of water heater and pipe insulation, energy-efficient LED lighting, air sealing for drafts, low-flow showerheads, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, venting correction, an electrical upgrade and mechanical ventilation. The home also received energy efficient windows, a door and a refrigerator. The old propane-fueled furnace was replaced with a highly efficient heat pump that uses a less expensive fuel source.
The NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program’s primary goal is to lower energy costs for low-income households by reducing their energy consumption, while improving their health and safety. MFA administers the program through community-based nonprofit organizations offering statewide services.
“Many homes in New Mexico are in dire need of upgrades that will improve their energy efficiency, and we are pleased that our Energy$mart program is able to make a tangible difference in the lives of our community members,” said Isidoro Hernandez, MFA Executive Director/CEO. “There is nothing like witnessing firsthand how this program positively impacts people’s lives, whether they are able to enjoy the warmth inside their homes when it’s cold outside, or they express gratitude because their utility bills have decreased.”
Preceding the visit to the home, several individuals spoke about the importance of the Energy$mart program, including Hernandez, Rep. Harlan Vincent, MFA Weatherization Assistance Program staff members Troy Cucchiara, Dimitri Florez and David Gutierrez, as well as community partners, including Latoya Ferguson of Public Service Company of NM (PNM), Isaac Stevens of Central New Mexico Housing Corporation, Ed Mcllvain of ICAST (The International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology) and Veronika Molina of SRHCDC.
The NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, New Mexico Gas Company, PNM, New Mexico Housing Trust Fund and El Paso Electric. The term “Weatherization” is linked to DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program, which was established by Congress in 1976, while “Energy$mart” is specific to New Mexico’s program. MFA has administered the Energy$mart weatherization program in the state since 1997.
For more information about the NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program and to determine eligibility, please visit https://housingnm.org/home-repair-and-energy-efficiency/energymart-weatherization-assistance.