SANTA FE – The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department is now accepting applications for rebates of up to $14,000 to help low-income households replace aging appliances and heating and cooling systems with energy-efficient alternatives, cutting monthly utility bills while promoting energy efficiency.

The rebates are available to New Mexico homeowners and renters who earn less than 80% of the median income for the area in which they live or participate in certain federal benefit programs

Once EMNRD certifies their eligibility, applicants receive coupons that can be converted into instant rebates when purchasing qualifying energy-saving products. The program is part of the state's broader strategy to reduce household energy costs and cut carbon emissions.

"Every family deserves access to appliances and technology that saves money and keeps their homes comfortable year-round," said Rebecca "Puck" Stair, director of EMNRD's Energy Conservation and Management Division, which is administering the program. "These rebates make energy-efficiency upgrades easier and more affordable. A heat pump, for instance, is a dual-purpose appliance, offering an efficient way to both heat and cool a home."

Billy Martin of Portales is among the first rebate recipients. He used the coupons to install new home insulation, replace his HVAC system with a heat pump and purchase new energy-efficient appliances. He reports a dramatic improvement in the comfort of his home along with a big reduction in energy costs.

"If not for this program, I don't think I would have been able to stay in my home," Martin said. The electricity bill would have run me out. Now, I can stay in my home and remain independent." 

ECAM is partnered with licensed HVAC contractors who can help homeowners select the right system and ensure high quality installation of certain appliances.

Program funding comes from the U.S. Department of Energy's Home Efficiency Assistance Rebate (HEAR) program. Program details, including who is eligible, the full list of qualifying energy efficient products and application instructions are available at https://clean.energy.nm.gov/programs/hear.  

Click here to see a video with more of Billy Martin's story.