Commending the partnership of Congressman Chaka Fattah, CITGO, The People of Venezuela, Citizens Energy and the Energy Coordinating Agency of Philadelphia on their successful efforts to bring low cost heating oil to the residents of Philadelphia and the Five County region.

WHEREAS, On January 28, 2006 the partnership of Congressman Chaka Fattah, CITGO, the People of Venezuela, Citizens Energy and the Energy Coordinating Agency of Philadelphia announced an initiative to provide low cost heating oil to area residents who fall within LIHEAP guidelines; and

WHEREAS, Federal, state and local efforts spearheaded through the political leadership of U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, Governor Edward Rendell, State Senator Vincent Hughes and Mayor John Street have had a positive impact on the rising costs of home heating, there remains a clear and sizeable gap between the costs associated with heating and what families have the ability to pay; and

WHEREAS, Realizing the need for greater federal assistance, Congressman Fattah brought a model that has been working successfully in other New England states through CITGO and Citizens Energy, to the Philadelphia area; and

WHEREAS,

The government of Venezuela, which owns the Houston, Texas based CITGO through its national oil company, will make 5 million gallons of heating oil available for 60 percent of the retail price;

and

WHEREAS,

Up to 200 gallons of oil will be available to each eligible resident which will allow 25,000 households in the area to be served

; and

WHEREAS, When seeking a partner to implement the plan locally, the Energy Coordinating Agency, which carries a sterling reputation for its work with energy issues in Philadelphia was a natural choice; and

WHEREAS, Through their combined efforts the costs of heating for LIHEAP eligible families has been significantly reduced which has provided a necessary and deeply appreciated boost for our region, now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby commend the partnership of Congressman Chaka Fattah, CITGO (Felix Rodriguez – CEO), the People of Venezuela (Bernardo Alvarez – Ambassador to U.S.), Citizens Energy (Joseph Kennedy, II -President & CEO) and the Energy Coordinating Agency of Philadelphia (Liz Robinson – Executive Director) on their successful efforts to bring low cost heating oil to the residents of Philadelphia and the Five County region.

End