Memphis Launches Efficient Homes Program to Cut Energy Bills and Create Jobs

The $500,000 initiative combines home upgrades with workforce training to help low-income families and boost the local economy.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:22am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic home energy efficiency object repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the Efficient Homes for All Program's dual focus on home upgrades and workforce development.A community-driven program in Memphis is helping low-income families save on energy costs while training workers in high-demand trades.Memphis Today

The City of Memphis and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) have partnered to launch the Efficient Homes for All Program, a $500,000 grant initiative that provides home weatherization assistance and critical repairs to low-to-moderate income families, while also including a workforce development component to train workers in high-demand trades. The program aims to help reduce energy costs for struggling households while creating new job opportunities in the community.

Why it matters

Many Memphis residents face a heavy 'energy burden', spending a large portion of their income on utility bills due to inefficient home conditions. This program seeks to address this issue by making homes more energy-efficient, while also providing job training to boost economic development in the city.

The details

The Efficient Homes for All Program goes beyond just providing weatherization assistance - it also covers critical home repairs that are required before energy-efficient upgrades can be made. The program includes a workforce development component through a partnership with the TVA-backed Moore Tech Weatherization Training House, which provides hands-on training in high-demand trades like HVAC and construction. To qualify, households must meet affordable housing criteria and earn 80% or less of the area median income.

  • The Efficient Homes for All Program was launched 3 years ago in 2023.
  • The program aims to repair over 40 homes in Memphis neighborhoods like Boxtown.

The players

Paul Young

The Mayor of Memphis, who helped spark the conversation that led to the creation of the Efficient Homes for All Program.

Ashley Cash

The Director of the City's Division of Housing and Community Development, who oversees the application process for the program.

Latrivia Welch

The Government and Community Relations Manager at TVA, which is partnering with the city on the initiative.

Barbara Britton

The President of the Boxtown Neighborhood Association, who is helping spread awareness of the program in her community.

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What they’re saying

“Energy burden refers to the percentage of income families spend on utilities. Many of our residents live in homes with leaky windows and poor insulation, forcing them to run their AC and heat constantly, driving up their bills.”

— Paul Young, Mayor of Memphis

“This is a dual win. We're helping families reduce their energy costs and repair their homes, while simultaneously training workers in high-demand trades. These skills can lead to new businesses, stable incomes, and stronger families.”

— Paul Young, Mayor of Memphis

“It's a no-brainer. We're meeting a critical community need while boosting economic development.”

— Latrivia Welch, Government and Community Relations Manager, TVA

“Many of my neighbors are elderly and don't use computers. By the time they hear about these programs, it's often too late.”

— Barbara Britton, President, Boxtown Neighborhood Association

What’s next

The Efficient Homes for All Program plans to repair over 40 homes in Memphis neighborhoods like Boxtown. Residents can apply for the program by calling 901-636-7300 or visiting the city's website at https://memphistn.gov/hcd/.

The takeaway

The Efficient Homes for All Program in Memphis is a innovative approach to addressing energy poverty and creating economic opportunities in the community. By combining home upgrades with workforce development, the program aims to provide long-term solutions that improve quality of life for low-income families while also boosting the local economy.