Citizens Energy Chairman Joseph P. Kennedy II kicked off the second season of the non-profit company’s Oil Heat Program today by helping to fill a tanker truck at the Chelsea Oil Terminal.
The program launch comes as oil prices approach 10-year highs and rising housing costs put additional pressures on elderly households and working families struggling to make ends meet.
“Rising oil prices hit working families and senior citizens living on fixed income the hardest,” said Kennedy. “We want our friends and neighbors who are worried about heating their homes this winter to know that Citizens Energy is here to help.”
The oil heat initiative distributed over 1.2 million gallons of low-cost home heating oil last winter to thousands of households around Massachusetts and aims to deliver over 2 million gallons this coming season.
Households interested in purchasing fuel through the Oil Heat program should call toll free 1-877-JOE-4-OIL (1-877-563-4645) for referral to their local fuel assistance agency. The agency authorizes delivery after a brief telephone application. Participating households receive a one-time delivery of heating oil for 40 cents per gallon.
Citizens Energy is working with the statewide network of 22 fuel assistance agencies along with 390 oil heat dealers to distribute the low-cost oil this winter. The Hill Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos, advertising agency has produced a set of commercials promoting the Oil Heat Program, which run on TV stations around Massachusetts through the heating season. AK Media has donated billboards as well.
“We have a terrific team of partners,” said Kennedy. “Working together, we’re making sure that no one is left out in the cold.”