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The Housing
Authority of Maricopa County (HAMC) is pleased to
announce an Energy Conservation property
improvement and modernization program at its Norton
Circle community in Avondale, AZ.
 This
EnergyWise Assistance Program for the 46
housing units at the Norton Circle Project is made
possible by the cooperation and financial assistance
of Southwest Gas Corporation (SWG), Arizona Public
Service (APS), and the cooperation of the City of
Avondale, the Maricopa County Human Services
Department, the State of Arizona Department of
Commerce Energy Commission and the Foundation for
Senior Living (FSL).
An inaugural
event was held on October 25, 2007 at that location
with the presence of residents, friends, staff and
partners that are working with us to make this
project possible. We strongly feel that this
undertaking is truly unique and epitomizes the
fullest meaning of the concept of partnership.
The
objective of this program is to reduce gas and
electricity costs for residents through the
installation of high-efficiency appliances and to
upgrade unit infrastructure to provide greater
comfort and improve the health and safety of the
dwelling's occupants.
To achieve
these goals, the following upgrades are being be
done in all units, with the generous support of our
partners:
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Installation of 46 high-efficiency 13 SEER
Energy Star Gas Pack Heating/Air-conditioning
units. This equipment was provided by HAMC.
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Installation of new water heaters in all units,
provided by SWG.
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Installation of high-efficiency gas dryer
appliances in all units, provided by SWG.
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Installation of new Energy Star refrigerators in
all units, provided by APS. These use 30% less
electricity than models previously installed.
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All
incandescent light bulbs in the units will be
replaced by Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL)
bulbs that produce the same amount of light
while using only 25% of the energy and lasting
10 times as long. These bulbs, provided by APS,
are projected to provide a lifecycle savings of
$360 per unit.
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New duct
systems for heating and cooling will be
installed in all units an essential measure to
ensure the efficiency of the new systems and to
improve comfort and reduce energy costs.
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 Additional R-30 rated thermal insulation will be
added in all unit attics to conserve energy,
making the homes warmer in the winter and cooler
in the summer. Both the new ducting and the
insulation upgrade were a joint effort of the SWG-APS partnership with Maricopa County
Community Services to improve the lives of
Norton Circle residents.
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All
residents were signed up for APS and SWG Low
Income Energy Support Program (E-3) that
provides a discount on electricity bills for
residents that qualify. This program is designed
to help low-income customers with their energy
bills, and encourage the wise use of energy.
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Landscaping at the site was upgraded to reduce
water usage and facilitate maintenance.
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HAMC
also provided the resurfacing of parking areas,
weatherization of doors and windows, and new
exterior painting on all units.
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It is
estimated that the total cost of equipment and
upgrades to the Norton Circle community under
this joint program is in excess of $350,000 with
approximately $150,000 being provided through
the Maricopa County weatherization program. This
investment is expected to bring substantial
financial benefit to all participants in the
form of reduced utility bills, as well as
provide a more comfortable, safe and healthy
environment for residents.
Mr. Alphonso Patrick, the Executive Director of
the Housing Authority of Maricopa County, would
like to thank all those that cooperated in
making this program possible. HAMC would also
like to specifically mention the work of
Adrienne Howell of SWG, Jerry Mendoza of APS,
Marge Leyvas of Maricopa County Community
Services, Vinnie Pedalino and Carrie Smith of
the Foundation for Senior Living, Charlie Gohman
from the State of Arizona Energy Commission and
Mr. Charlie McClendon, City Manager of Avondale
for their invaluable assistance in improving the
quality of life of the Residents at Norton
Circle. A word of thanks is also due to our
dedicated staff, including but not limited to
Dennis Belter, Donna Ybarra, Sherida Barnes and
Janet Belfield.
As HAMC moves forward on its Strategic Plan to
revitalize and expand our public housing and
affordable housing portfolio, we acknowledge the
support and assistance provided by the HUD
Arizona State Office, especially the State
Director, the Public Housing Program Center,
Community Planning and Development and the San
Francisco Regional Energy representative.
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