Samuel Pagan was thrilled to learn he could get financial support upgrading the energy efficiency of his Lowell home. He benefited from specific outreach in Spanish to reach more Lowell residents.
He reached Victor Vargas, a Spanish-speaking representative of Mass Save; Vargas runs a Lowell program designed to help low-income and non-English speaking residents improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Vargas informed Tapia that, based on income requirements, he qualified for a no-cost insulation and air sealing upgrade by National Grid through Mass Save.
In 2022, Lowell was selected to participate, and Vargas was appointed as the first “energy advocate” of Lowell. He was tasked with helping residents understand how to take advantage of Mass Save programs and connect them with additional resources to reduce their energy burdens. Over the next year, Vargas said he helped 32 Hispanic families benefit from Mass Save programs.
While some people trust their energy providers, Espéndez said others face confusing information and unfavorable contracts promoted by predatory groups. "When the message comes from a local messenger, someone in your community you may know or trust, or from a community leader, that can strengthen that message," Massie said."We are working hard to spread this message to residents across the state."