San Antonio's own CPS Energy is rolling out an ambitious initiative to weatherize more than 16,000 homes over the next five years through its Casa Verde Program, FOX San Antonio reports. The program, which targets low-income homeowners, offers up to $4,500 in repairs to enhance wall insulation, install solar screens, improve window caulking, and bolster air sealing.

At a recent "energy block party," residents had the chance to learn about how participation in the program could potentially slash their energy bills. CPS Energy's Laura Jacobs highlighted the ripple effects of this program, stating, "It helps keep rates lower so we're not having to buy energy off the grid," and added, "Additionally, it helps us from having to build new infrastructure to help support energy usage additionally it has benefits to the community, if you're able to save money that's the biggest benefit to the community," as reported by FOX San Antonio.

Further supporting the expansion of these efforts, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-San Antonio) has been instrumental in securing a $1 million grant for the Casa Verde weatherization program, which is a part of the broader Sustainable Tomorrow Energy Plan (STEP). This grant, a slice of $10.6 million for San Antonio community projects, will be utilized to provide weatherization repairs for 500 homes. CPS Energy's President and CEO, Rudy Garza, expressed deep gratitude for the support that will change lives, especially "during our extremely hot summers and during the coldest days in winter," according to a statement obtained by San Antonio Report.

The Casa Verde program, which has celebrated weatherizing 30,000 homes, includes a comprehensive assessment to determine which improvements will produce maximum energy savings. "Every year, I’m glad to nominate community projects from across San. Antonio for well-deserved federal funding to expand their work," said Castro, emphasizing the importance of initiatives that not only improve energy efficiency but also alleviate financial strain for families, San Antonio Report details. The program's funding was included in the recently passed HR 4366, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, demonstrating the government's commitment to energy conservation and support for local communities.

CPS Energy is set to invest a total of $82.5 million in the Casa Verde program as part of its Vision 2027 strategic plan. These weatherization efforts are a cornerstone of the utility's initiative to achieve an additional 410 megawatts of energy demand savings over the next five years, San Antonio Report notes. With an average home improvement valuation of $4,500, the program is positioned to make a significant impact on the community and the environment alike.