What Consumers Should Know About the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA)

Funding for the Program

Beginning March 1, 2001, retail oilheat distributors began a program where each gallon of heating oil sold in key heating oil states is assessed a fee of $.002 per gallon. This fee is assessed in compliance with a law that was passed by Congress in 2000 (Public Law 106-469), which was designed to respond to the numerous energy problems that occurred in 2000, and to develop a stronger energy policy for the United States. Michigan joined NORA February 1, 2006.

The fee is mandatory and is imposed on all oilheat that is used to heat buildings that are occupied by people or residences.

What NORA Can Accomplish

Once collected, these funds will be used for Consumer Education, Oilheat Research and Development, and technical training to the benefit of the Consuming public and the industry.  NORA will accomplish much for consumers and the Oilheat industry, creating an improved environment for Oilheat consumers in coming years.

NORA is launching an ambitious research program to improve both fuel and equipment.  NORA will also undertake technical research. It is expected that this research will lead to the commercialization of technology that will ensure that your heating system operates at peak efficiency all the time. NORA will also help develop self-diagnostic technology that will enable the heating system to alert you or your dealer when the furnace is beginning to have problems. Imagine the day that you can schedule maintenance before a problem develops.  NORA also plans to improve technical training and the diagnostic tools they use. Improved training of technicians will lead to fewer service calls and each call will be more efficient and thus save you money.  Finally, NORA will begin working with realtors and home inspectors to ensure they understand oilheating systems. During some home sales, new buyers who have never lived in an oilheated home have requested that the seller of the home convert the home to another fuel source. This can cost a home seller several thousand dollars. Education will ensure that realtors selling your home understand oilheat so they can explain it to potential customers for your home.

NORA Is Patterned After Proven Checkoff Programs

While NORA is new for the Oilheat industry, the "checkoff" format that is the essence of NORA, has been highly effective for other industries for a number of years. Checkoff programs you are likely familiar with include "Beef, It's what's for dinner;" and "Got Milk?" Those are indicative of large scale campaigns enabled by checkoff programs. Each program established a universal theme for the product, provided research to improve the quality of the product, and strengthened the industry. Closer to our own Oilheat industry, similar programs have been used by decades for the electricity and natural gas industry, and propane has recently begun a similar program.

To Contact NORA:

Information regarding NORA activities will be posted here or on the NORA website:
http://www.nora-oilheat.org/

Information requests can also be directed to NORA at:

NORA
600 Cameron Street
Alexandria, VA 22314Phone: 703-519-4204
E-mail: jhuber@nora-oilheat.org or mrkeyser@nora-oilheat.org

Oilheat States that participate in NORA

Connecticut
Delaware
Idaho
Indiana
Kentucky
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Vermont
Virginia
Washington State
Wisconsin
Washington D.C