About a month and a half ago, Hugo Chavez and the Venezuelan government reversed a decision that is now affecting many households in Alaska. Through Citgo Petroleum, they will provide home heating oil to bush Alaska — until February 27th. The program doesn’t just affect Ambler, Kotzebue and other remote areas; it affects Talkeetna, Willow and anyone along the road system.
The Citizens Energy Corporation, in Massachusetts, is the non-profit organization that manages the program. The program also benefits those in need of home heat in Montana, South Dakota and other areas across northern Lower 48. Last year the program assisted over 200,000 households in twenty-three states.
There is an income requirement to qualify. If a resident qualifies, they receive a voucher that can be used for 100 gallons of heating oil. The resident calls for fuel to be delivered and then turns over the voucher. This is the fourth year that Citizens Energy has worked with Citgo to distribute home heating oil to needy households across Alaska and the Lower 48.
