City to accept $642,469 SEED grant to retrofit low‑income homes; program includes DACC workforce audits

Las Cruces will accept a $642,469 grant from the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department to run a retrofit program for low‑income households, the city announced Aug. 4 after the council approved ordinance 3094.

Why it matters: The grant funds energy audits, heat‑pump retrofits and related measures intended to reduce utility bills for low‑income residents while creating a workforce pipeline for local small businesses and community colleges.

Gabriela Prax, the city’s grant manager, said the SEED award requires an ordinance for acceptance and that there is no local match. Jenny Hernandez, the city’s sustainability officer, described program mechanics: residents will be screened for income eligibility, scheduled for an energy audit and then receive retrofits based on audit results. The grant requires heat‑pump installations where the house is a good candidate, and program staff said heat‑pump water heaters may be installed if appropriate and funds remain. The program emphasizes small‑business inclusion and workforce development; Dona Ana Community College (DACC) will provide training and certify auditors who perform the home assessments.

Council members asked about electrification concerns. Hernandez said the grant requires a savings‑to‑investment ratio (SIR) analysis to ensure proposed measures reduce or do not raise utility bills; for residents at risk of higher bills, the city said there are options such as community solar enrollment to offset increases. Progress Now New Mexico’s energy policy director, Lucas Herndon, spoke in support of the grant and noted the falling cost of wind and solar generation.

Ordinance 3094 authorizing acceptance of the SEED grant passed by council roll call; staff said budget approval to expend the grant will come later in the budget process.