NORA is a remarkable phenomenon. It is probably the best thing to happen for the Oilheating industry and in no small part, for today’s energy conscious consumer.

What is NORA? NORA stands for The National Oilheat Research Alliance that is a government check-off program. A fraction of a cent is collected at the wholesale level on every gallon of heating oil sold. While it is mandatory, the benefits greatly outweigh the minimal cost.  Today, no one can conceive of an Oilheating industry without NORA.

NORA must go through the reauthorization process periodically.  Reauthorization provides Congress and the industry an opportunity to improve the program. 

The three key arms of NORA are Consumer Education, Professional Education, and Research & Development. Consumer Education allows NORA to reach out through radio, television, print, and internet to inform the consumer that oilheat is a clean, safe, efficient and modern form of heating.  This communication is essential to the industry’s survival. Professional education, through the silver certification program provides continuing education, training and certification for oilheat service technicians. Lastly, NORA funding has helped a number of manufacturers to develop highly efficient heating equipment, such as condensing boilers and furnaces, variable speed furnaces, variable burners and number of other technologically advanced, highly efficient products.

NORA also funds a number of projects at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Brookhaven National Laboratory researches new heating methods and fuels as well as addresses tank and storage issues, delivery and fuel quality.  Additionally, NORA is working diligently to develop a safe and renewable products for the future.