Housing New Mexico and Southwestern Regional Housing celebrated improvements at Loma Del Norte Apartments, where upgrades aim to reduce heating and cooling costs for low-income residents.

Organ Mountain News report

ANTHONY - Residents of an affordable housing complex in Anthony could see lower heating and cooling costs following energy efficiency improvements that include solar panels, a heat pump and roof repairs.

Housing New Mexico and Southwestern Regional Housing and Community Development Corporation celebrated the improvements at Loma Del Norte Apartments on Thursday, Oct. 29, as part of a local observance of Weatherization Day.

The work was completed through the NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program, which helps low-income households reduce energy consumption and utility costs while improving home safety and comfort.

Improvements at the apartment complex included roof and ceiling repairs, a heat pump and solar panel installation.

"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% figure is the program's goal, not a documented reduction in residents' utility bills.

Southwestern Regional Housing and Community Development Corporation, which provides affordable housing and community resources for low- and moderate-income New Mexicans, facilitated the improvements. The organization received the first award from the state's Energy$mart Weatherization Program in 2012.

Housing New Mexico administers the statewide program through nonprofit service providers.

"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's 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."

Weatherization program marks 50 years

The Anthony celebration coincided with the 50th anniversary of the federal Weatherization Assistance Program, authorized by the U.S. Department of Energy in 1976.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham proclaimed Friday, Oct. 30, as Weatherization Day in New Mexico, recognizing efforts to improve housing energy efficiency and reduce utility expenses.

The state's Energy$mart program receives funding from the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, New Mexico Gas Company, New Mexico Health Care Authority's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, New Mexico Housing Trust Fund, PNM and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Other weatherization service providers include Central New Mexico Housing Corporation and Red Feather Development Group.

The program focuses on improvements that can help households reduce energy expenses while addressing health and safety concerns associated with inefficient housing.

Residents interested in learning about eligibility and available weatherization assistance can find information through Housing New Mexico's weatherization program.