New Mexico Awards $83 Million in Grants for Grid Modernization and Community Energy Efficiency

On July 22, 2026, the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) announced $83 million in grants to 23 projects that will enable infrastructure upgrades for homes and business across the state while also reducing energy costs for many low-income New Mexicans.

The funding comes from the Community Benefit Fund (CBF), which was created during the 2025 legislative session. The CBF is providing more than $200 million in direct investments to New Mexico communities, ensuring that cities, towns, and rural areas receive funding for clean energy expansion, climate resilience, and workforce development. ECAM is one of several state agencies distributing these funds.

ECAM's $83 million is being distributed between two grant programs:

• $67 million have been allocated to the division's Grid Modernization program, which supports projects that upgrade the electric grid to meet the state's growing energy demand. Recipients include municipalities, counties, state agencies, public schools, universities, and Native American nations, tribes, and pueblos.
• $16 million have been awarded to the Community Energy Efficiency Development (CEED) program to provide energy audits and energy efficiency upgrades for residents of underserved communities, with the goal of lowering utility bills and increasing comfort. Recipients include government entities that help low-income residents with energy efficiency upgrades such as insulation, weatherstripping, and energy efficient appliances.

"These investments show New Mexico's commitment to building a modern, reliable electricity system that serves every community in our state," said ECAM Division Director Rebecca "Puck" Stair. "We are supporting projects that lower costs, improve resilience and expand access to clean energy, delivering benefits for New Mexicans both today and into the future."

For more information, visit the Energy Conservation and Management Division of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department.