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NORA
National Oilheat Research Alliance
The
National Oilheat Research Alliance Act (NORA), enacted in
2001 by Congress, enabled the Oilheat industry to establish
an industry-funded check-off program to support many industry
activities. Oilheat distributors across the country are acting
together to improve the value and benefits the public receives
for every gallon of Oilheat consumed. The funds collected
from this check-off program are being used for consumer education,
Oilheat research and development, and technical training to
the benefit of the consuming public and the industry.
While
NORA is new for the Oilheat industry, the "check-off"
format, which is the essence of NORA, has been highly effective
for other industries for a number of years. Check-off programs
you are likely familiar with include "Beef, It's what's
for dinner;" "Pork, the other white meat;"
and "Got Milk?" Those are indicative of large scale
campaigns enabled by check-off 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, you may be familiar with
the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) which is
breaking new ground for the propane industry and energy distribution.
NORA will provide the means by which consumers can gain even
more value from Oilheat and for the public to be informed
about why Oilheat is the viable and right energy choice for
many homeowners in Oilheat climate regions.
Oilheat
provides the best space and water heating option in many markets.
Several studies by the Department of Energy have shown Oilheat
to be the most cost efficient fuel in its prime marketing
area. However, not all consumers are aware of this, and without
marketing and education, they may not be in position to evaluate
the many benefits of Oilheat.
NORA
will accomplish much for consumers and the Oilheat industry,
creating an improved environment for the Oilheat marketplace
in coming years. NORA aims to ensure:
- the
public knows the benefits of heating with oil,
- the
technicians have the training to provide the best service
to customers, and
- that
the research to improve heating oil and the equipment it
fuels continues to advance
What
NORA Can Accomplish
- NORA
is launching an ambitious research program to improve both
fuel and equipment. Early research has shown that improvements
to oilheat will improve the efficiency of furnaces and boilers,
extend their life, and reduce maintenance and service costs.
- NORA
is also undertaking technical research. This research is
expected to lead to the commercialization of technology
that will ensure heating systems operate at peak capacity
at all times. NORA will also help develop self-diagnostic
technology that will enable heating-systems to alert the
consumer when the furnace is beginning to have problems.
- Nora
plans to improve technical training and the diagnostic tools
they use. Improved training of technicians will lead to
fewer service calls and each service call will be more efficient
and save consumers money in the long run.
- NORA
will also begin working with realtors and home inspectors
to ensure they understand the oilheating systems. Realtors
will then be able to explain to potential customers what
oilheat is and the advantages of it. New homebuyers can
request that any oilheated homes be converted to another
fuel source.
Information
requests can be directed to:
NORA
211 North Union Street, Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-519-4204
E-mail: jhuber@nora-oilheat.org
or prichardson@nora-oilheat.org
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