FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2024
CONTACT:
Jamie McIver
857.488.5068
Kristin Macek
978.282.1000
Massachusetts’ Low-Income Energy Affordability Network lauded by ACEEE as a national leader in energy affordability initiatives
ABCD and Action Inc. recognized for their collaborative efforts in reducing the energy burden for income-eligible households
(BOSTON, MA) — The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has named the Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN) as one of its “Leaders of the Pack 2024” for exceptional efforts in delivering energy efficiency to income-eligible households across Massachusetts. In collaboration with dedicated partners, Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) and Action Inc., LEAN’s Income Eligible Coordinated Delivery Program has achieved remarkable energy savings, made significant progress with decarbonization, and improved comfort for thousands of low-income residents.
ABCD President and CEO Sharon Scott-Chandler, who was recently appointed to the newly formed Massachusetts Energy Transformation Advisory Board, believes that this award elevates their efforts to bring climate and health equity to underserved communities. “Community Action Agencies like ABCD and Action Inc. deliver low-income climate equity work everyday across the state,” she said. “We are immensely proud of the recognition from ACEEE. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of families by lowering energy costs, improving comfort, and promoting a cleaner environment for all Massachusetts residents.”
In 2023, the program served over 20,000 electric participants statewide amounting to 5,718 metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions, and 11,714 gas participants totalling 16,445 metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions.
- Between 2013 and 2022, the program successfully weatherized 23% of all 1–4-unit income-eligible households, contributing to significant energy savings across the state.
- Residents in qualifying buildings (with at least 50% income-eligible units) benefit from no-cost heating and weatherization upgrades, ensuring essential services for vulnerable communities.
- Through collaboration with businesses and Community Action Partners, including ABCD and Action Inc., the program provides a holistic approach with energy audits, oversight, technical assistance, and rigorous quality control.
- Since 2010, the LEAN program has expanded to include multifamily buildings with at least 50% income-eligible units, increasing access to energy-saving measures for more residents. This expansion underscores the program’s commitment to fostering sustainable, equitable energy solutions statewide.
Action Inc. CEO Peggy Hegarty-Steck added, “We would like to thank National Grid and Eversource for financially supporting this important work, as well as our Community Action Network and trusted contractors for making this all possible. This recognition by ACEEE further solidifies LEAN’s role as a national leader in delivering impactful, equitable energy efficiency solutions.”
Exemplary Program: Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN) – Income Eligible Coordinated Delivery, Mass Save; Massachusetts
The LEAN program offers comprehensive, fuel-neutral energy efficiency upgrades at no cost to eligible households, helping Massachusetts residents in both single-family and multifamily homes reduce energy costs and increase safety and comfort. The work, delivered in partnership with Community Action Agencies statewide, prioritizes climate equity and environmental justice, ensuring that underserved residents and communities are not left out of the clean energy transformation.
Key upgrades include innovative retrofits focused on decarbonization and energy-saving smart home solutions, as well as weatherization, heating and cooling improvements, and appliance upgrades, which together provide a sustainable approach to energy affordability.
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About ABCD
A nonprofit human services community action organization, ABCD provides low income residents in the Boston and Mystic Valley areas with the tools, support and resources they need to transition from poverty to stability and from stability to success. Each year, we impact more than 100,000 children, adults and elders through a broad range of innovative initiatives as well as long-established, proven programs and services. For more than 60 years, ABCD has been deeply rooted in every neighborhood and community served, empowering individuals and families and supporting them in their quest to live with dignity and achieve their highest potential. For more, please visit bostonabcd.org.
About Action Inc.
The mission of Action Inc. is to advance economic equity and foster a thriving community on Cape Ann and beyond. Our vision is to be an instrument of change, work collaboratively with partners to strengthen the community, and help people in our service area access the resources they need to achieve their goals.
Action Inc. offers programs that bring positive change to people’s lives, including affordable housing, homelessness prevention, fuel assistance and energy efficiency programs, and job training and education. Visit actioninc.org to learn more.
About LEAN
LEAN is the statewide network of local Community Action Agencies who provide energy efficiency and other energy services at no cost to income eligible clients. LEAN brings together over 40 years of experience and funding from all different sources to identify, scope, project manage, inspect and pay for energy efficiency installations in residential housing.
In addition to energy efficiency, most of the CAPs in the LEAN Network are the providers of Federal Fuel Assistance.
