The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) announced that the NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program, administered by MFA, took center stage at the 2023 Weatherization Day event in Mescalero, New Mexico. The program aims to enhance energy efficiency and ensure safety for low-income households across the state.
The program's effectiveness was evident during the Weatherization Day celebration. The celebration on Oct. 30 showcased the NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program, designed to decrease energy costs for low-income households by enhancing energy efficiency, promoting health, and ensuring safety. Implemented by the Southwestern Regional Housing and Community Development Corporation (SRHCDC), the featured home underwent a comprehensive transformation, including upgrades such as water heater and pipe insulation, LED lighting, draft-sealing, low-flow showerheads, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, venting corrections, electrical enhancements, mechanical ventilation, energy-efficient windows, a door and a refrigerator according to a press release by MFA.
Isidoro Hernandez shared some insights about their efforts towards improving lives of community members through this initiative. "Many homes in New Mexico are in dire need of upgrades that will improve their energy efficiency and we are pleased that our Energy$mart program is able to make a tangible difference in the lives of our community members," said Isidoro Hernandez, MFA Executive Director/CEO according to a press release by MFA. "There is nothing like witnessing firsthand how this program positively impacts people’s lives whether they are able to enjoy the warmth inside their homes when it’s cold outside or they express gratitude because their utility bills have decreased."
A closer look reveals that multiple entities have made contributions towards funding this influential program. The program funded by various entities including the U.S. Department of Energy, Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, New Mexico Gas Company, PNM, New Mexico Housing Trust Fund and El Paso Electric has been administered by MFA since 1997 aligning with the DOE's Weatherization Assistance Program established by Congress in 1976. Various speakers including members of the MFA Weatherization Assistance Program team such as Troy Cucchiara, Dimitri Florez and David Gutierrez emphasized the significance of the Energy$mart program at the event according to a press release by MFA.
