Local opinion: Seniors, low-income families can save thousands

For Arizona’s seniors and low-income, working families, managing expenses on fixed incomes has become increasingly challenging. As an Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans (AARA) board member, I see the difficulties our seniors and underserved communities face in maintaining their quality of life after many years of workforce contribution.

That’s why I recommend taking advantage of tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Having benefited from these programs, I’ve seen firsthand how the tax credits help save money on energy bills and healthcare costs while making homes more comfortable, providing tangible relief to Arizona’s seniors and low-income families.

Seniors and low-income families face unique financial pressures. Many live on fixed incomes from Social Security or pension programs, limiting their ability to manage rising costs. Compounding this challenge, many seniors reside in older, inefficient homes that are expensive to maintain. One in four seniors rely on Social Security for 90% of their income, making addressing steep energy bills or replacing outdated equipment feel impossible.

In Arizona, where air conditioning is essential, energy costs take up a significant portion of household budgets. The Arizona Department of Housing’s Weatherization Assistance Program helps seniors and families keep their homes comfortable year-round while reducing energy use. Federal incentives through the IRA amplify these efforts, offering homeowners up to $3,200 annually in tax credits to cover up to 30% of energy-efficient upgrades like solar panels, weatherization, and energy-saving appliances.

Recently, I installed a heat pump water heater and switched to an electric induction stove. These changes reduce my monthly electricity bill, giving me more breathing room financially.

In 2023 alone, more than 3.4 million American families benefited from $8.4 billion in tax credits for clean energy and efficiency upgrades, according to the Office of Economic Policy. These savings are transformative for seniors on fixed incomes and working families managing tight budgets, offering financial relief and greater energy independence.

Arizona’s extreme heat, exacerbated by climate change, poses significant health risks. In Pima County, heat-related deaths have shown alarming trends. In June 2023, the county reported 13 heat-related deaths, spiking dramatically to 91 in July. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and even death, especially for seniors and those with chronic conditions like asthma or heart disease.

To make things worse, the American Lung Association’s latest “State of the Air” report gave Pima County an “F” grade for its high number of unhealthy ozone days. Air pollution worsens asthma, lung conditions, and chronic illnesses, increases the risk of premature death, and disproportionately affects vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Fortunately, communities can implement upgrades like weatherization and switching to energy-efficient appliances to mitigate these hazards through the IRA and IIJA. Seniors and working families can better regulate indoor temperatures and air quality by weatherizing their homes and making energy-efficient upgrades, lowering the risk of heat-related illnesses and improving overall well-being.

My energy-efficient upgrades have helped me lower costs, and made my home more comfortable during extreme heat. These upgrades and my pollution-free Chevy Bolt vehicle are part of my commitment to lowering my carbon emissions and contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment.

While these programs are already helping many, their future is uncertain. It’s important to take action now to secure these savings while they are available. Whether installing solar panels, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, or simply understanding how to access healthcare savings, now is the time to act.

At AARA, we recognize that the IRA and IIJA represent a significant opportunity for Arizona’s most vulnerable communities to improve their financial well-being and health, and we are committed to helping them navigate these opportunities. Let’s ensure that these benefits remain in place for years to come so that all seniors and families struggling to make ends meet can live comfortably and safely, no matter their financial situation. For more information, visit azaffordableenergyseniors.org.