EMNRD is accepting applications for the Community Energy Efficiency Development Block Grant Program
Block grant program will lower energy use and expenses in New Mexico’s undeserved communities

SANTA FE, NM – The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department is accepting applications for the Community Energy Efficiency Development (CEED) Block Grant Program.

The CEED Program was developed to facilitate targeted energy efficiency improvements in underserved communities by providing block grants to local governments in partnership with community organizations.

Low-income households often pay a disproportionate amount of their income on home energy costs (e.g., electricity, natural gas, and other home heating fuels), referred to as the “energy burden.” In New Mexico, individuals living below the federal poverty level pay on average 14% of their income on home energy expenses, and in some rural communities that expense can be as high as 37%.

The New Mexico Legislature allocated $10 million toward the CEED program.

“The CEED Program will build on New Mexico’s efforts for reaching underserved communities while also working toward the state’s resilience and emission reduction goals,” said Rebecca “Puck” Stair, Director of EMNRD’s Energy Conservation and Management Division (ECMD), which will oversee the program.

Projects approved for funding under the program must encourage the use of equipment and devices that boost energy efficiency without reducing the amount or quality of energy services. Projects also will be expected to incorporate health and safety measures, such as the use of equipment or devices that improve indoor air or drinking water quality.

Projects will fall under one of two types.

• Type 1 Projects are open to Indian nations, tribes, or pueblos; county or municipal governments; and the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) for projects in identified underserved communities.
• Type 2 Projects are reserved for the MFA for projects across the state.

All projects must take place within New Mexico.

Applications must be completed and submitted by 5:00pm on December 22, 2023.Prospective applicants may register for a non-mandatory pre-proposal information session at 11:00am on November 3, 2023, via WebEx.

Prospective applicants may find the request for applications (RFA), the pre-proposal meeting link, the application submission portal and associated application documents at:
https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/ecmd/ceed/.