CITGO launches energy-efficient lighting program, helps 50,000 families

The CITGO Petroleum Corp. has launched the third annual CITGO-Venezuela Energy Efficient Lighting Program.

The program will supply approximately 500,000 energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs to 50,000 qualifying low-income households across 17 U.S. cities. Texas cities to benefit from the program include Houston and Corpus Christi. Additional U.S. cities participating in the program include Lake Charles and New Orleans, La.; Atlanta; Birmingham, Ala.; Greensboro, N.C.; Greenville, S.C.; Jackson, Miss.; Little Rock, Ark.; Kissimmee, Fla.; Milwaukee; Nashville, Tenn.; New York City; and Washington, D.C.

"CITGO is committed to environmental stewardship, and we are pleased to offer assistance to help families in need save on their energy costs this summer," said CITGO president and CEO Alejandro Granado, according to a press release.

The light bulbs are expected to save a total of $18 million in energy costs by reducing approximately 185 million kilowatt hours and more than 271 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. The reduction is equivalent to removing more than 24,000 cars from the road.

The program began in 2008 through CITGO’s subsidiary Petroleos de Venezuela S.A., the national oil company of Venezuela. Each year, the company provides charitable contributions to organizations and communities in both Venezuela and the United States.

For more information, visit www.citgo.com.