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Having trouble viewing this email? Click here to view in html.  www.nefi.com  A Service of New England Fuel Institute February 20, 2009 Volume 4 • Issue 7 |
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Expanded Home Efficiency Tax Credits Included in Economic Stimulus NEFI Action Center Fund Reports Reminder: 2009 EPCRA Tier II Inventory Reports Are Due On March 1 Underwriters Laboratories Approves Use NORA Energy Conservation Seminar: NORA Board Meeting, May 6 at AREE Donate a Generator to Help Sick Children Alert: Phone Calls About NEFI Hotel Rooms Are a Scam NEFI Seeks Professional Engineer for Panel Presentation at Expo NEFI School Help Wanted: Basic Oilheat Technician Instructor, Contract Educators Thank You NEFI Action Center Contributors
33rd North American June 9 & 10, 2009 Nearly 8,000 attendees in 2007 326 booth spaces sold in 2007 302 unique exhibitors in 2007 108 Days Until Expo! Sign up today to get your space at the industry’s LARGEST heating & energy exposition. For a complete list of exhibitors, click on the following link See www.nefiexpo.com for Contact tracy@nefi.com for exhibit space, registration and sponsorship information. Tracy Goodwin, VP for Events, tracy@nefi.com New England Fuel Institute (nefi.com), 617-923-5015 direct dial.
Upcoming Courses New! Advanced Oilheat Efficiency Options Electrical Procedures for Heating Techs. New Dates! Rhode Island Basic Oilheat Course Advanced Common Sense Troubleshooting Oilheat Wiring for Electricians NORA Energy Conservation Seminar: Credit & Collections Seminar Management Seminar: George Lanthier Courses: Hazmat Evening Course EPA Section 608 Training/Certification Refrigerant Training R-410A Mass. Oil Burner Code 527 CMR 4.00 Basic Oilburner Course New Date! Gas Heat for Oilheat Technicians Email school@nefi.com to register. |
LOW SULFUR HEATING OIL PHASE-IN DISCUSSED AT NORTHEAST REGIONAL MEETING| When exactly that might be was a main topic for discussion between state officials and refiners at Thursday’s meeting. The meeting began with a proposal presented by the regional officials that would see 500ppm low sulfur heating oil in 2012 in New York (parts of), New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware (Area 1) and the remainder of New York plus New England (Area 2) in 2014. The proposal would see a similar phase-in for 15ppm ultra-low sulfur heating oil in 2016 for Area 1 and 2018 for Area 2. Residential and commercial oil burners and furnaces, MANE-VU argued, are responsible for seven percent of the region’s sulfur dioxide emissions (153,225 tons per year). Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is the most significant contributor to environmental haze and poor air quality, they argued. John Huber of the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) also noted sulfur’s role in fuel quality and equipment performance during an excellent presentation of the benefits of low sulfur heating oil for the industry. Refiners cautioned regional officials that a quick move to ultra-low sulfur heating oil would have adverse impacts on both the refining community and the heating oil industry at large. A move to 15ppm low-sulfur heating oil, they argued, would place the heating oil consumer in direct competition with surging global demand for ultra-low sulfur distillates, present supply issues for areas that rely heavily on higher-sulfur imports during the winter, and require costly refining and storage upgrades. Al Mannato of the American Petroleum Institute proposed moving to 500ppm in 2014, a recommendation that was generally well received, and questioned the reasoning behind the proposed move to 15ppm in 2018. In discussion following the presentations, refiners also favored moving the entire region at the same time, rather than in a two-zone phased-in approach. Refiners wanted one zone. They also discussed moving ultimately to a 50ppm standard rather than 15ppm. These matters were thoroughly debated. Air quality officials will now meet to discuss the input they’ve received and a final plan moving forward. We will update you as the process moves along. Representatives from API, the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association, Western Refining, Sprague, Global, Irving, Sunoco, Hess, Exxon Mobil and the U.S. Department of Energy were also present. Attendants from the heating oil retail industry included Jim Collura of the New England Fuel Institute, Eric DeGesero of the Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey, John Maniscalco of the New York Oil Heating Association and of course John Huber of NORA. Congress is in recess this week for the Presidents Day holiday. EXPANDED HOME EFFICIENCY TAX CREDITS INCLUDED IN ECONOMIC STIMULUS What does that mean for home heating equipment upgrades? It means that the $150 cap on such upgrades had been eliminated and replaced with a $1,500 aggregate cap on all upgrades. Taxpayers may deduct the whole amount for one single efficiency upgrade to their home (subject to the 30 percent qualifier), including their heating system. The IRS will likely allow deduction of both the cost of equipment and installation. Because the $1,500 non-refundable personal tax credit for home energy efficiency improvements is an aggregate credit, taxpayers installing more efficient windows, insulation, etc must count these other upgrades against the aggregate. Therefore, NEFI members that wish to use the credit in order to promote equipment upgrades should do so in a timely manner but not without first consulting legal counsel or a qualified tax professional. In order to be eligible for the tax credit, the upgrade must meet the following efficiency criteria: • Electric heat pump with highest efficiency achieved by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, as in effect on January 1, 2009 • Central air conditioners with highest efficiency achieved by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, as in effect on January 1, 2009 • Natural Gas, Propane or Oil Water Heater with an energy factor of .82 or a thermal efficiency of at least 90 percent • Natural Gas Furnace with AFUE rating of not less than 95 • Natural Gas Hot Water Boiler with AFUE rate of not less than 90 • Propane Furnace with AFUE rate of not less than 95 • Propane Hot Water Boiler with AFUE rate of not less than 90 • Qualified Oil Furnaces with AFUE rate of not less than 90 • Qualified Oil Hot Water Boiler with AFUE rate of not less than 90 NEFI will consult with the National Oilheat Research Alliance and the Oilheat Manufactures Association about the availability of oil-fired equipment that meets the above efficiency rating, and begin examining whether or not additional recommendations need be made to Congress about improving the tax credit. NEFI is interested in hearing from members on this issue, please email NEFI Vice President for Government Affairs Jim Collura at jimcollura@nefi.com with your thoughts. This tax credit is one of many provisions of interest to NEFI members. See complete list of provisions of interest. NEFI ACTION CENTER FUND REPORTS To be among the first to contribute in 2009, simply visit www.nefiactioncenter.com and click "Make a Donation" (NO log-in or password required) which is in bold red font in the menu on the left side of the screen. When the "Contribution/Pledge Form" page opens, simply fill out the desired donation amount, billing information and contact information fields and click "submit contribution." Donors can either choose to be billed for their donation or may use a credit card (we accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express). Remember that our pledge forms list suggested donations only. A full list of 2008 contributors can also be found at the bottom of the main page at the NEFI Action Center site. If you have any questions concerning the donation process, contact Dave Rocco at NEFI at (617) 923-5022 or dave@nefi.com. Thank you for your support!
Contact: Mark Morgan, Esq. NEFI Regulatory Counsel (mark@nefi.com) NEFI SEEKS PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER FOR SPCC PRESENTATION AT EXPO REMINDER: 2009 EPCRA TIER II INVENTORY REPORTS ARE DUE ON MARCH 1ST UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES APPROVES USE OF E-15 BLENDS IN EXISTING DISPENSERS The UL announcement came after an internal review of existing certification data revealed no evidence that E-10 certified equipment is incompatible with ethanol blends as high as E-15. However, UL "approval" is not the same as actual UL certification. Petroleum marketers are bound by state and federal law as wells as by insurance policies to follow UL certification limitations for conventional fuel dispensers. Moreover, the EPA does not allow the use of blends over E-10 in conventional fueled vehicles. The UL announcement is timely. Both the EPA and Congress are considering an increase in the current E-10 maximum for conventional fueled vehicles in order to meet annual RFS volume mandates. The current RFS mandate for 2009 is 11.1 billion gallons. State and federal regulators are worried that even with the introduction of E-10 blends nationwide, the EPA will not be able to meet the RFS mandate by 2011 without an increase to an E12 or E-15 blend for conventional fueled vehicles. The EPA may address this issue in upcoming RFS regulations currently in the final stages of preparation. Still, opposition to use of blends above E-10 for conventional fueled vehicles remains strong among auto manufacturers who claim such blends will damage vehicle equipment and void warranties. With the automobile industry on the skids, many believe the manufacturers are more susceptible to governmental pressure on this issue than in the past. Presumably, state and federal regulators will address the UL certification requirement for existing conventional fuel dispensers before any decision is made to bump ethanol blends up to E-15. Otherwise, a costly dispenser retrofit would be necessary. IMPORTANT! E-15 is not a blend that is approved for conventional fueled vehicles by the EPA at this time. In addition, state and federal law as well as insurance policies prohibit the dispensing of E-15 from a conventional fuel dispenser certified by UL to dispense a maximum E-10 blend.
General News • CFTC CHAIRMAN-DESIGNATE TO GET HEARING BEFORE CONGRESS • OBAMA ADMINISTRATION DELAYS OFF-SHORE DRILLING PLANS Heating Fuels • FUEL RETAILER BANKING ON MASS. BIOFUEL MANDATES • PROPANE POWERED TRUCKS TO BE AVAILABLE SOON • PROPANE-POWERED GARDEN TOOLS?
Motor Fuels • WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH GASOLINE PRICES? • PELOSI TELLS DETROIT TO MEET CALIFORNIA EFFICIENCY STDS Read the letter. • DONATE A GENERATOR TO HELP SICK CHILDREN:
• NEFI EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEEETINGS were held on Thursday, February 19, 2009, in Fairlee, Vermont, hosted by the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association. • PHONE CALLS ABOUT NEFI HOTEL ROOMS ARE A SCAM • PMAA DAY ON THE HILL: The Petroleum Marketers Association of America will be holding its annual Day on the Hill and Washington Conference on May 13-15, 2009 in Washington, DC. Contact your state association about participation or click here for more information.
• PMAA PAC SILENT AUCTION TO BE HELD AT EXPO • NEFI TO SOUTHERN ITALY: SORRENTO & SARDINIA! NEFI’s Spring Energy Conference goes where it’s never gone before--to the beautiful southern coast of Italy, and the spectacular Mediterranean isle of Sardinia! Breathtaking coastal vistas, the Isle of Capri, Positano, Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius, the Amalfi Coast. Need we say more? Departure date is June 11, 2009 and for those who choose to take the complete trip, return will be June 22nd. If you wish, there are sponsorship opportunities for fantastic exposure for your company! To sponsor a hospitality suite, reception, tour, etc. or to request a full package or trip details, contact Tracy at 617-923-5015 or tracy@nefi.com. You may even tie your sponsorship to NEFI’s Expo for maximum exposure. Inquire with Tracy if interested. • NEFI SCHOOL HELP WANTED WANTED: BASIC OILHEAT TECHNICIAN INSTRUCTOR Send resume and letter of interest to Bob Messia, Principal Instructor, bob@nefi.com, or: Bob Messia, Principal Instructor WANTED: EDUCATORS, SEMINAR OFFERINGS
• VIEW THE LATEST EDITION OF Oil & Energy Magazine ONLINE. • WELCOME NEW NEFI MEMBERS: Chudy Oil Co., Inc. Haskins Fuel Service Clendenin Consulting • FUEL EVENTS CALENDAR February 26-March 1: New England Home Show, Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, Massachusetts. Phone: 888-254-0882 www.newenglandhomeshows.com March 4: Independent Connecticut Petroleum Association's "Hedging, Finance & Banking" Seminar. Phone: 860-613-2041 www.icpa.org/manage.htm March 10-12: Northeast Sustainable Energy Association's Building Energy '09 Conference, Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, Massachusetts. Phone: 413-774-6051 www.nesea.org March 27: NEFI Seminar "How Fuel Dealers Can Survive and Thrive in These Difficult Times, Friday, 9am - 3pm, NEFI Technical Training Center, Watertown, Mass. Phone: 617-924-1000 Application March 31: MOC's Massachusetts Oilheat Dealer Meeting on Legislative Issues and Industry Activities in Massachusetts, 9am - 12 noon, open to members and non-members, breakfast wil be served. Sturbridge Host Hotel, Sturbridge, Mass. Phone: 800-722-0623 www.massoilheat.org April 1: MOC's Massachusetts Oilheat Dealer Meeting on Legislative Issues and Industry Activities in Massachusetts, 9am - 12 noon, open to members and non-members, breakfast wil be served. Marriott, Peabody, Mass. Phone: 800-722-0623 www.massoilheat.org April 6: MOC's Massachusetts Oilheat Dealer Meeting on Legislative Issues and Industry Activities in Massachusetts, 9am - 12 noon, open to members and non-members, breakfast wil be served. Four Points Hotel, Leominster, Mass. Phone: 800-722-0623 www.massoilheat.org April 7: MOC's Massachusetts Oilheat Dealer Meeting on Legislative Issues and Industry Activities in Massachusetts, 9am - 12 noon, open to members and non-members, breakfast wil be served. Marriott, Quincy, Mass. Phone: 800-722-0623 www.massoilheat.org April 7: Vermont - NORA Energy Conservation Seminar, Vermont Fuel Dealers Association sponsored seminar, FW Webb, Williston, Vermont. Phone: 802-223-7750 Registration April 8: MOC's Massachusetts Oilheat Dealer Meeting on Legislative Issues and Industry Activities in Massachusetts, 9am - 12 noon, open to members and non-members, breakfast wil be served. Radisson Hotel, Hyannis, Mass. Phone: 800-722-0623 www.massoilheat.org April 9: Maine Oil Dealers Association Spring Conference, Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, Maine. Phone: 207-729-5298 www.meoil.com April 14: MOC's Massachusetts Oilheat Dealer Meeting on Legislative Issues and Industry Activities in Massachusetts, 9am - 12 noon, open to members and non-members, breakfast wil be served. Crowne Plaza, Pittsfield, Mass. Phone: 800-722-0623 www.massoilheat.org April 14-16: NAOHSM's Train the Trainer Seminar, ICPA's Technical Education Center, Cromwell, CT. Phone: 888-552-0900 April 15-16: Propane Gas Association of New England Spring Meeting, The Renaissance Hotel, Providence, Rhode Island. Phone: 603-544-2226 www.pgane.org April 16: Massachusetts - NORA Energy Conservation Seminar, NEFI Technical Training Center, Watertown, MA. Phone: 617-924-1000 Application April 17: NEFI Seminar "Creative Credit & Collections for Oilheat & Propane Companies," Friday, 9am - 3pm, NEFI Technical Training Center, Watertown, Massachusetts. Phone: 617-924-1000 Application April 22: NORA Gold Seminar and Exam, FW Webb, Williston, Vermont. Presented by Vermont Fuel Dealers Asociation Phone: 802-223-7750 Registration May 5-7: Atlantic Region Energy Expo AREE09, Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey. Phone: 973-467-1400 www.areetradeshow.com May 6: NORA Board Meeting, in conjunction with AREE, Atlantic City, NJ. tlross@nora-oilheat.org May 11: Independent Connecticut Petroleum Assn. (ICPA) Golf Classic, Wallingford Country Club, Wallingford, CT. Phone: 860-613-2041 www.icpa.org May 13-15: PMAA Washington Conference and Day on the Hill, Washington, DC. Phone: 703-351-8000 www.pmaa.org May 17-21: National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers 56th Annual Convention, Hershey, PA. Phone: 888-552-0900 www.naohsm.org May 28-29: Vermont Fuel Dealers Association's Annual Conference, Stratton Mountain Resort, Stratton Mountain, Vermont. Phone: 802-223-7750 www.vermontfuel.com June 9-10: NEFI Expo and Business Convention, Boston, Massachusetts www.nefiexpo.com
NEFI Member Benefit Spotlight DRUG/ALCOHOL TESTING & EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OFFER • Company Policy/Certificate of Compliance In addition to the Drug/Alcohol Testing Program offered there is an optional Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to provide your staff with a 24-hour, 7 days a week counseling and referral service to help employees deal with personal issues before they become work performance issues. Counselors are available to deal with substance abuse, marital and family issues, personal crises, etc. The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is REQUIRED when any employee tests positive for drugs and/or alcohol. An SAP is a licensed physician or a licensed/certified psychologist, social worker, employee assistance professional, or addiction counselor with knowledge of and clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol and controlled substance related disorders. An evaluation by an SAP is included with the Employee Assistance Program. If chosen as an option, the EAP will be available to your employees, their dependents, and to your management and supervisory staff to assist in job performance concerns. The NEFI-Newport Alliance Consortium is the only NEFI-endorsed Drug /Alcohol Testing and Employee Assistance Program. To compare your current costs or obtain further information on the program please contact Donna Carcerano, NEFI Benefits Administrator at (617) 923-5020 direct line, (617) 924-1000 ext. 220 or donna@nefi.com
Join or renew membership with NEFI today! Click here, or contact Joanne Sharkey, NEFI Membership Coordinator at (617) 924-1000 or joanne@nefi.com. May 6: NORA Board Meeting in Conjunction with AREE, 12:00 noon, Atlantic City, New Jersey. Phone: 703-340-1660 Vermont: NORA Energy Conservation Seminar: April 7, Vermont Fuel Dealers Asssociation sponsored course at FW Webb, Williston, Vermont. Registration Massachusetts: NORA Energy Conservation Seminar: April 16, NEFI Technical Training Center, Watertown, MA. Phone: 617-924-1000 www.nefi.com/training Stimulus Bill Will Provide Credit for Heating Equipment There are several provisions that Oilheat dealers need to be aware of. Unfortunately, funding for LIHEAP is not included in the stimulus plan. The final stimulus package does include five billion dollars for the federal Weatherization Assistance Program and extends home energy efficiency tax credits through 2010. It also increases those tax credits to 30 percent up to $1,500 for equipment rated at 90 percent efficiency or above. This is good news for Oilheat dealers because earlier drafts of the package limited tax breaks to equipment rated at 95 percent or higher, a rate not yet achieved by Oilheat equipment. The equipment that is listed on the GAMA website meets the stipulations for the tax credit. The other key feature of this is that this $1,500 tax credit is for both 2009 and 2010, and it is for several building features. Thus, if you install doors, windows, insulation, it will go against these expenditures. For information on NORA please contact Traci Ross at tlross@nora-oilheat.org See the latest NORA news at www.nora-oilheat.org. -TOP- -TOP- |
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NEFI was contacted by Bob Garside of the Oil Heat Council of New Hampshire with regard to low-income families with sick children. There are about a dozen families in the Granite State that have children on a variety of life-supporting systems that do not have electric generators. Needless to say, when power is lost (as it was recently) this poses a life-threatening crisis for these New Hampshire families. If you donate a generator, NEFI will list your company and logo in our weekly newsletter. Contact Bob Garside at 603-895-3808 or 
• NEFI EXPO AND BUSINESS CONFERENCE PLANNING UNDERWAY: The NEFI Expo Planning Committee, co-chaired by Don Craft, Gulf Oil LP, and Craig Snyder, Wesson Energy has begun work on the Business and Technical Programs to be held during the 33rd North American Heating & Energy Expo. 
