Low-income homeowners to get help with heating and cooling upgrades

Albuquerque has received a grant that city officials say will help improve the health and finances of low-income homeowners.

The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department awarded the city $1.7 million to expand its retrofitting efforts in improving work energy efficiency.

Through the Community Energy Efficiency project, income-qualified homeowners will receive free energy audits and retrofit plans that will create significant energy savings, according to a news release.

Low incomes, higher energy costs

A 2020 report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy says low-income households, as well as Black, Hispanic, and Native American households, spend more of their income on utility bills than those with higher incomes. The council reported two-thirds of low-income households spend more than 6% of their income on utilities, compared to a quarter of all other households.

Maia Rodriguez, the city Environmental Health Department’s marketing manager, said Albuquerque has seen similar results, often due to the inefficiency of older homes and appliances, and the costs associated with repairs and updates. She said those communities stand to benefit from efficiency upgrades.

“Reducing the energy burden is not only more equitable but helps families spend their money on more than just the necessities,” Rodriguez said.

Albuquerque households spend more than 10% of their incomes on utilities, leading many families to have to choose between paying for medical needs, food or monthly energy bills, according to a release

Audits will lead to custom improvements

Rodriguez said the grant is expected to assist more than 60 residents over the next two years but will have an impact beyond that.

“Residents who receive the upgrades receive education and awareness to pass along to their neighbors about how they are improving the safety in their homes and receiving health benefits such as improved indoor air quality and more comfortable temperatures,” she said. 

In partnership with Prosperity Works and Energy Works, community liaisons will assist homeowners throughout the process. The home upgrades can include window and door replacements, new insulation and heating, and cooling system replacements.

Energy Works will perform the energy audits; Prosperity Works provides financial assistance and helps families find energy-saving solutions.

“We are proud to have the opportunity to scale what the Environmental Protection Agency has celebrated as being a national best practice to serve the most in need and hardest to reach with critical energy efficiency measures,” said Ona Porter of Prosperity Works. “Reducing toxic emissions and household costs while improving the health, safety and comfort of our most vulnerable residents is the intention of this important investment.”

The energy audits, Rodriguez said, will allow a custom approach that meets the needs of each household.

To date, the CEE program has made improvements in 104 homes in the International District, saving residents an average of $300 per year on utility costs.

“Our frontline communities are disproportionately impacted by climate change,” Mayor Tim Keller said. “We are investing in programs like this one that help make our home a more climate-resilient and equitable place for our families now, and for the future families of Albuquerque.”