- Mike Cecchini
News and Programs to Benefit Energy-Efficient Home Builders and Owners
New Mexico Utilities PNM and NM Gas Company Launch Program for Potential Home Builders
Public Service Company of New Mexico and New Mexico Gas Company have launched a program called New Mexico High Performance New Homes Program, for New Mexico home builders and their potential clients, to encourage high-energy, high-quality home builds. They are providing home builders with marketing materials for their clients, detailing the benefits of building a home that substantially conserves energy.
If you are considering building an energy-efficient home and would like to read these publications, you may download them here. Builder Bulletin, is a quarterly newsletter that will keep you up to date on program changes, requirements, and benefits. We know you are busy, so we hope this newsletter provides quick reminders on offers and/or deadlines that may be coming your way.
As always, these utilities are here to help so please reach out to your account manager with any questions.
Federal Tax Credits for ENERGY STAR® Homes
As part of the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act, the Section 45L Tax Credit for Energy Efficient New Homes has been updated and extended. For homes and units acquired on or after January 1, 2023, the base level tax credit will be specifically tied to ENERGY STAR certification for single-family, manufactured, and multifamily homes. This tax credit has been extended through 2032. Details are below:
Single-Family New Homes - $2,500 available for ENERGY STAR certified homes.
January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2024: ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Home National Version 3.1 (or the regional program requirements applicable to the home).
January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2032: ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes National Version 3.2 (or the regional program requirements applicable to the home).
Manufactured Homes - $2,500 available for ENERGY STAR certified manufactured homes meeting the most recent ENERGY STAR Manufactured New Homes program requirements (currently Version 2, with Version 2.1 currently proposed to be implemented in May 2023).
Multifamily - $500 available for ENERGY STAR certified multifamily units meeting the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction National program requirements (or the regional program requirements) applicable to the dwelling unit, as specified in Section 13304. A larger tax credit is available for multifamily projects that meet prevailing wage requirements.
A larger tax credit is available for homes that are certified to DOE’s Zero Energy Ready (ZERH) Program, which requires ENERGY STAR certification as a prerequisite. All official information related to the tax credit will be determined and published by the IRS. The ENERGY STAR team is committed to keeping their partners informed as the IRS works to develop updated documents and guidance.
We’re here to help if you have any questions or you can contact ENERGY STAR directly atenergystarhomes@energystar.gov.
Builder Spotlight - Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity
Q. Tell us about the background of Santa Fe Habitat and its mission in the community.
A. The mission of Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity is to promote affordable home ownership for Santa Fe area residents by constructing simple, adequate, and energy-efficient new homes and repairing or rehabilitating existing homes through the cooperative efforts of volunteers, donors, staff, and Partner Families. Santa Fe Habitat was founded in 1987, and to date, has built 130 homes in the community. This year, our goal is to build 6 homes for low-income families.
Q. What’s one thing you love about the work you do?
A. Working with the Habitat families and volunteers to make the dream of home ownership achievable for hard-working lower income families in our community.
Q. What is your favorite part of participating in the PNM/NMGC New Homes Program?
A. The best part of the program for us is highlighting the idea that energy-efficient homes aren’t only for the wealthy. Affordable energy efficiency is especially important for low-income families who too often must choose between paying an electric bill or paying for groceries. We know that energy-efficient homes equates to real savings for families and a better place to live.
Q. What has been your favorite project over the last few years?
A. Every home we build is important as safe, affordable housing is out of reach for far too many people in Santa Fe and New Mexico.
Questions for Santa Fe's Habitat for Humanity? We're here to help. Contact our program support team:
Brian Bjurstrom
Senior Account Manager
(501) 435-3005
Robin Ribble-Harder
Senior Residential Program Manager
(361) 688-2211
