ANTHONY, N.M. - It was a day of celebration as people gathered at Loma Del Norte Apartments in Anthony Thursday, Oct. 29, to learn about energy efficient retrofits completed through the NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program.
The program’s primary goal is to lower energy costs for low-income households by reducing their energy consumption while improving residents’ health and safety. Housing New Mexico administers the program through community based nonprofit organizations that provide services statewide.
Southwestern Regional Housing and Community Development Corporation – one of Housing New Mexico’s many partners – facilitated the energy efficient retrofits at Loma Del Norte Apartments, including:
- Roof and ceiling repair
- Heat pump
- Solar panel installation
“Thanks to partners like Southwestern Regional Housing and Community Development Corporation, we can help many New Mexicans lower their energy costs and improve their health through the NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program,” said Donna Maestas-De Vries, Housing New Mexico Chief Housing Officer. “We are appreciative of all the funders of this program and everyone who performs the hard work to make the energy efficient retrofits a reality.”
Southwestern Regional Housing and Community Development Corporation provides safe, affordable housing and community resources for low- and moderate-income New Mexicans. The organization received the very first award from the NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program in 2012.
“Through weatherization measures, HVAC upgrades and solar panel installations, the residents of Loma Del Norte will be able to reduce heat loss in the winter and reduce heat gain in the summer months,” said Veronika Molina, Southwestern Regional Housing and Community Development Corporation Executive Director. “The goal is to reduce the heating and cooling burden by at least 30% for low-income residents.”
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham proclaimed Oct. 30, 2026, as “Weatherization Day” throughout the state of New Mexico. The proclamation is available on the Housing New Mexico website.
This year marks 50 years since the national Weatherization Assistance Program was authorized by the U.S. Department of Energy, reflecting decades of improving home energy efficiency, reducing energy expenditures and improving the health and safety of homes for families.
The NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program is funded by New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, New Mexico Gas Company, New Mexico Health Care Authority Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, New Mexico Housing Trust Fund, PNM and the U.S. Department of Energy.
In addition to Southwestern Regional Housing and Community Development Corporation, Housing New Mexico weatherization service providers include Central New Mexico Housing Corporation and Red Feather Development Group. Program partners include Energy Out West, National Association for State Community Services Programs and Santa Fe Community College Energy Smart Academy.
For more information about the NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program and to determine eligibility, please visit the Housing New Mexico website.