City Provides Relief for Renters with Affordable Housing Weatherization to Reduce Utility Bills
ALBUQUERQUE—Utility bills for renters in City-owned apartments will soon be lower. The City has a large portfolio of affordable housing units, and utility bills still create barriers for potential renters. A new program from the City’s Department of Health, Housing, and Homelessness will make utilities in affordable housing less costly and more efficient—in some cases, slashing utility bills by up to 40%.
A $1.5 million contract with the International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology (ICAST) has been approved to weatherize housing units. More than $5.1 million in additional funding from several entities, including federal government agencies and low-income housing tax credits, are adding to the City’s contribution to the program.
“For every dollar invested by the City through this contract, we’re leveraging $3,” said Health, Housing and Homelessness Deputy Director Joseph Montoya. “This will not only save taxpayers money, it will also reduce the cost of utilities for residents and reduce the City’s carbon footprint. This is a win, win, win!”
594 units across 8 properties will be updated. ICAST analyzes the needed upgrades for each property and unit, then recommends and installs necessary upgrades. Improvements could include new breaker boxes, water heaters, energy-efficient furnaces, water-efficient faucets and shower heads, energy-efficient lighting, and smart thermostats.
Residents of City-owned properties are estimated to see a 15% to 40% reduction in their utilities.
“As we keep working to build new affordable housing units, it’s equally important to maintain our existing housing units,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “At the end of the day, these cost-savings for renters will help keep people housed and make utilities more affordable.”
In addition to weatherizing units, the Department of Health, Housing and Homelessness offers utility assistance. In 2024, the City provided utility assistance to 312 families, totaling more than $24,000. The City is also building more affordable housing. Last year, the City of Albuquerque Financed 408 affordable housing units, double the number financed in 2023.
For interviews about the new ICAST contract, please contact Public Relations Specialist Connor Woods, who will facilitate interviews.