CONTACT:
Jamie McIver
857.488.5068
Jamie.McIver@bostonabcd.org
(BOSTON, MA) – ABCD Director of Energy Services Andrea Mendoza has been elected co-chair of the Massachusetts Energy Directors Association (MEDA) and will represent the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for the low-income energy sector. MEDA is a network of energy professionals in Massachusetts, in partnership with the Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP), of which ABCD is a member, that provides fuel and energy assistance to income-eligible residents. MEDA was created to support the great and important work of HEAP, as well as energy efficiency initiatives such as Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and Heating System Repair and Replacement Program (HeartWAP) services. MEDA leadership participates in the grant/funding process for the aforementioned programs, and apprises elected officials about their impact and funding needs.
“Andrea’s demonstrated leadership and advocacy in the energy services sector will be a wonderful asset to MEDA and to our community action partners,” said ABCD President and CEO Sharon Scott-Chandler, Esq. “Now more than ever, energy programs and services are a vital lifeline for a broad spectrum of residents who are struggling in this economic environment, including those with low-incomes, seniors, people with disabilities or who are just overwhelmed by their energy bills.”
Mendoza assumed the role of director of energy services at ABCD in 2023, and oversees the organization’s energy assistance programs – HEAP and utility bill advocacy in Greater Boston and the Mystic Valley. She recently participated in Senator Edward J. Markey’s (D-Mass.) Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) roundtable in Washington D.C. to discuss the urgency of strengthening and expanding LIHEAP to better serve families struggling with rising energy costs.
“I am honored to help lead MEDA and to further advocate on behalf of individuals and families in Greater Boston and the Mystic Valley,” Mendoza said. “ABCD has seen a significant increase in HEAP applications this heating season — a clear indicator of the need for and the efficacy of our energy assistance programs.”
ABCD’s Energy Services division includes the Climate Equity & Impact Department, which manages energy efficiency and clean energy transition projects for low-income households
statewide.
ABCD provides fuel assistance to eligible households in Boston, Brookline, Newton and seven communities in the Mystic Valley: Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose, Stoneham, Winchester and Woburn. More information about HEAP eligibility guidelines and other energy efficiency programs are available at bostonabcd.org/heat. Residents of Boston, Brookline and Newton can apply by calling ABCD at 617-357-6012. Residents of the Mystic Valley region can call ABCD’s Malden Fuel Assistance office at 781-322-6284. All Massachusetts residents can apply online at toapply.org/MassLIHEAP.
Prior to her current role, Mendoza served as assistant program director and program coordinator in ABCD’s Energy Services Department. Steeped in community action, she worked for the Tri-City Community Action Program in Malden prior to ABCD, becoming the administrator in 2014. Additionally, she served as secretary of the Iglesia Camino de Vida of Lynn congregation and led its Children’s and Choir ministries for 10 years.
Mendoza attended the Urban College of Boston, founded by ABCD in 1993 – now a private, nonprofit college accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. She also holds a technical certificate from the Universal Technical Institute in Norwood.
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