In The Loop with NORA

In this episode, association leaders from the Midwest reveal how a new, regional mobile classroom program transformed their approach to oil heat service, overcoming technician shortages, and fueling growth for their state’s heating oil efforts. Discover how these associations collaborated across state lines to deliver hands-on oil heat training directly to local technicians, resulting in over 25 skilled workers trained in a single event, far exceeding expectations. Their conversation breaks down the strategies behind this success and how partnerships with HVAC associations and equipment suppliers helped drive awareness of this opportunity. Tune in to hear how this innovative mobile classroom concept became a blueprint for expanding access to critical training on oil heat systems and fostering new relationships.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org. 

In this episode, outgoing NORA Chair Kate Duffey and NORA President Michael Devine look back on her time leading the National Oil Heat Research Alliance. Kate reflects on her surprising experiences, the value of hands-on support and technical programs for marketers, and why strong industry communication matters now more than ever. The conversation explores NORA's role in driving innovation, boosting education, and keeping the liquid fuel heating sector relevant in a changing world. Kate shares personal highlights, leadership lessons, and advice for the next chair, spotlighting the relationships and teamwork that fuel NORA's success.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org. 

In this episode of In the Loop with NORA, we dive into the findings of a study on indoor air quality conducted by NORA with Dr. Tom Butcher and Neehad Islam from the NORA Research Laboratory. Discover how everyday activities – like cooking and outdoor grilling – impact air quality more than combustion-powered home heating appliances. This insightful discussion challenges common perceptions and offers practical insights into maintaining a healthier indoor environment.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org. 

In the Loop chats with three state association executives outside of the northeast to discuss how they are promoting the liquid heating fuels in their regions. Mark Griffin with MPA, Gary Harris with NCPCM, and Alex Boehnke with OECA share insights on their educational campaigns, rebate programs, and partnership with NORA to reach consumers and industry stakeholders. They explore the unique challenges and opportunities in their states, from retaining existing customers and adapting messaging for regional differences to the importance of training the next generation of technicians and how fuel distributors outside the northeast handle the service component of the business.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org. 

In this episode of In the Loop, Michael Devine and Tom Butcher with NORA and Jason Lawrence from Chevron reveal a cutting-edge initiative, testing 100% renewable liquid heating fuels across homes in the Northeast. This field test explores how biodiesel and renewable diesel blends could revolutionize home heating while dramatically reducing carbon footprints and improve the homeowner experience. Join us as we dive deep into this study that could reshape the future of residential energy consumption and sustainable home comfort.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org. 

In this episode, the NORA team outlines their key initiatives and priorities for 2025 and beyond. The discussion covers a range of topics, including NORA's research into 100% renewable heating oil blends, efforts to improve AFUE ratings and equipment efficiency, new educational and training programs for technicians, and how NORA is using the digital space to improve messaging and outreach to the industry. The NORA leadership team also highlights key opportunities and challenges in the liquid fuel heating sector, from leveraging colder winters and workforce development to essential practices like fuel filtration, tank maintenance, and ensuring long-term system performance.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org. 

In this episode, NORA President Michael Devine sits down with Clean Fuels Alliance America Technical Director Scott Fenwick and this year’s CFA Researchers of the Year Ted Olszewski of R.W. Beckett and Dr. Tom Butcher of NORA explore the technical innovations and collaborative efforts driving the transition to sustainable liquid heating fuels. Hear from these industry experts on advancing ASTM specifications, pioneering field studies, and overcoming challenges to enable widespread adoption of the liquid heating industry and use of higher blends of fuel.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org. 

In this episode of In the Loop with NORA, we dive deep into the future of liquid fuel fired heating systems in Europe. Join Michael Devine, President of Nora, as he speaks with Federica Miano, Secretary General of Eurofuels, and Dr. Ernst-Moritz Bellingen, Head of Heating at en2X Energy, about Europe’s ambitious decarbonization targets and the role of renewable fuels in domestic heating.  Gain a unique perspective of the many similarities and some of the distinct differences between the U.S. and European liquid heating marketplaces and how the U.S. can gain insights from some of the lessons learned in Europe.  Discover how hybrid systems, biofuels, and condensing boilers are reshaping the energy landscape, all while balancing efficiency, cost, and sustainability on the path to a fossil-free future.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org. 

In this episode, In the Loop chats with three soybean farmers on how the advancement of biofuels have impacted the agricultural community. With an increased demand for low carbon liquid fuels for heating and transportation, soybean farmers are playing a vital role in creating a low carbon future for our country. Greg Anderson, Dave Walton, and Ed Lammers – all lifelong farmers – share their perspectives and experiences with soybean and the transition to low carbon fuels as a result. In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org. 

In this episode, In the Loop chats with Judy Garber, founder and Executive Director of Women in Energy. With an industry career spanning over 30 years, Garber shares motivated her to create this organization and how she's continued to advance the role of Women in Energy. Women in Energy is a nonprofit, national association founded in 2018, whose mission is to connect and empower women in the energy industry. Visit www.wewomeninenergy.com to learn more.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org. 

In the Loop chats with Eddie Curran, department chair of HVAC and facilities management at Manchester Community College located in Manchester, New Hampshire. With over a decade of teaching experience, Curran highlights how the needs of our industry is speeding up the transition to the workforce. He also shares his perspectives on how education consumed today is impacting the classroom and how his program tries to facilitate all learning styles.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org. 

In this episode, hear from three leading manufacturers in the heating oil industry on how their respective companies are transforming the landscape with innovative products designed to enhance equipment efficiency and lifespan, all while contributing to the collective mission of carbon reduction.Kevin Beckett, President and CEO of RW Beckett Corporation, shares how his company has helped in transition to low carbon fuels, benefiting heating fuel dealers, service technicians, and consumers.Rich Lyons, President of Carlin Combustion, discusses how his company has elevated their efforts to assist low carbon fuel usage among homeowners, starting with the move into biofuels and specifically biodiesel. Roger Marran, President of Energy Kinetics Incorporated, chats about the efforts his company has made to ensure full compatibility with B100 and how they are assisting the future of renewable and sustainable fuels. In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org. 

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tom Butcher, the leading force behind the NORA Research Lab, and research associate Dr. Jenny Frank. Together, they shed light on the groundbreaking research conducted by the NORA team, what is driving forward the development of low-carbon liquid fuels, and why energy research is so critical for the future. Get insights into what makes them excited for the future, latest breakthroughs, and the future trajectory of sustainable energy solutions.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org. 

In this episode, In the Loop is joined by Ryan Kerr & Neehad Islam, research engineers at the NORA Liquid Heating Fuels Research Lab in Plainview, NY. Kerr shares how his research is helping the industry now and how it can assist the liquid fuel industry for the future. Ryan is able to provide analysis of fuel samples collected in the field to help determine what the root cause of service issues may be while, at the same time, advancing the knowledge and understanding of low-carbon fuels to come.Neehad Islam, also a NORA research engineer, talks about how testing of combustion with low carbon fuels and heating systems offers an understanding of how fuels of today operate in real-word applications.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org. 

In this episode, we chat with 5 individuals whose technical expertise in the low carbon liquid heating systems is helping elevate the next wave of energy service professionals.Our first guest is Eugene Silberstein, Director of Technical Education and Standards with the ESCO Institute. Eugene shares his overall take on the advancements of the industry, from equipment to service personnel, and how ESCO institute is working with NORA to help change the impression of our industry.Next up we have Dave Holdorf, a service trainer for Taco Comfort Solutions and OESP, whose career spans over 25 years. Dave shares his thoughts on key aspects that heating professionals should identify when working with customers to create a more efficient heating system.Joining the discussion is Angel Gonzalez, the National VP for OESP. A leader in the energy field, Angel has spent 41 plus years in the industry, starting with a small oil company in New York. Angel’s passion for education in the service industry brings a wealth of experience to the discussion today.Our fourth service expert is Al Breda, Past President with OESP, who has been part of OESP for 30 years. With years of experience in the field, Al shares his thoughts on how fuel has evolved over the last three decades and how service technicians can elevate the customer experience today.Last but certainly not least, we have Scott Vadino who is the President of Oil & Energy Service Professionals. Scott shares his take on how the industry has evolved since he began his career in 1985 and how the fuel today is helping create more efficient systems for homeowners while reducing the carbon footprint.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org. 

In this episode, we speak with two industry-leading retailers who have been providing high-blend, low carbon liquid heating fuels to their customer base for over a decade. Up first, former NORA Chair and owner of Cubby Oil & Energy, Charlie Uglietto provides his expertise on offering B-50 Bioheat SuperPlusTM to his customers. Cubby has been offering renewable fuel blends since 2008 and Uglietto explains the progression from a B5 beginning to a company-wide B50—and up to B100 for selected customers.Jacqueline Hart, Vice President of Operations at Hart Home Comfort and NORA Board Member, shares how her 2nd generation company started integrating low-carbon renewable fuel blend heating oil in 2006. Now they offer up to B50 blends as well as B100, in some cases.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org. 

In today’s episode, four state association leaders share their thoughts on the how their association, member companies and states are working together to ensure renewable liquid fuels stay prevalent with policy makers and show how higher blend home heating oil can help improve the consumer experience while helping the environment. First, we talk with Chris Herb, President of the Connecticut Energy Marketers Association about the efforts Connecticut is playing in the transition to low carbon liquid home heating oil.Next, we’ll hear from Kris DeLair, Exectutive Director of the Empire State Energy Association. Kris shares her thoughts on renewable liquid fuels and how the live-fire demonstration of the combustion from B5 to B100 helps illustrate how seamless higher blends really are. Ted Harris, Executive Vice President with the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association, offers his take on why his state is unique compared to other states when it comes to biodiesel standards. Finally we have Eric DeGessero, Executive Vice President of the New Jersey Fuel Merchants Association. Eric shares how his state and members of his association are handling the pressures on the industry to transition to a net-zero carbon future. In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org. 

In this episode of In the Loop, Paul Nazzaro and Scott Fenwick explain why retailers should make the transition to low carbon fuels now as competition will heat up over time for renewable fuels. Up first,  Paul Nazzaro speaks about the industry's trantion to low carbon heating fuels and why Bioheat® is the logical choice right now. Scott Fenwick, Technical Director for Clean Fuels Alliance, explains decarbonization efforts under way in the industry and provides a special look at the future with B100. In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org. 

In this episode of In the Loop, we hear from three industry leaders at the 2023 Eastern Energy Expo about  the transition to low carbon liquid heating fuels. Up first,  we chat with Rick Bologna, VP of Westmore Fuel, to understand why dealers need to add biofuels to their product lineup now, as fuel and equipment advancements are making the transition to higher blend fuels more attainable. Next,  we talk with Cate Duffey, President of DE Duffey & Sons, and hear her perspective on incorporating higher blend fuels into a 125-year old company.Finally, we speak to Dave Westerfield with Jennings Oil to learn how his company has progressed by including higher blends in their business operations. In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org. 

In this episode, we speak to Michael Devine, President of NORA.Devine shares his thoughts and perspective on NORA, recent accomplishments, and key initiatives that have taken place since assuming leadership of the organization in March 2022. Devine credits the entire NORA team for these advancements, including creating new and innovative ways to educate the industry and inform technicians, and how NORA is preparing for the future of liquid fuels. Along with his thoughts on the past year as NORA President, Devine shares his thoughts and findings at the recent ISH Conference in Germany, as well as what attendees of the Eastern Energy Expo can expect later this month. In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org. 

In this episode, we speak to three of NORA's leading experts who discuss NORA training certification program and what they do to provide technical education with NORA.Bob O'Brien, NORA Director of Education, provides in-depth knowledge on the NORA Technical Education Certification Program and why this aspect of NORA is key to the growth of the liquid fuel service sector. John Levey, NORA Technical Consultant, shares his experience with NORA's efforts to streamline the training process and make critical information accessible to those working in the field.Charlie Masone, NORA Technical Education Instructor, adds his perspective on the growth of the industry and how today's service technicians provide customers with long-lasting solutions.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org. 

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Tom Butcher, Director of Research of the NORA Liquid Fuels Laboratory in Plainview, NY, for an update on his NORA demonstration home and how this "NET-Zero" carbon home shows negative carbon emissions.BackgroundThe use of biodiesel has been identified as an effective and reliable fuel to replace fossil-derived heating fuels. Due to research by the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) and efforts by heating system manufacturers and fuel marketers, the use of increasing blends of biodiesel with No. 2 heating oil has increased rapidly over the past few years. NORA’s goal is to create demonstration homes that are net-zero emitters of carbon. Labeled the Net Zero Carbon Home Project, the homes will replace standard heating fuel with 100% biodiesel (B100) while relying on solar PV roof panels to generate renewable, carbon free electricity for non-heating uses. Since biodiesel is not yet fully carbon neutral, the solar PV system needed to be sized to produce more energy than the home requires. The excess carbon-free electricity could then be transferred back to the grid and offset the small amount of carbon emissions from biodiesel. The first of these demonstrations is the home of Dr. Thomas Butcher, Director of Research of the NORA Liquid Fuels Laboratory in Plainview, NY. Dr. Butcher’s home was already using B100 for heating and subsequently solar PV panels were installed for the non-heating energy needs.NORA would like to extend the Zero-Carbon Home project to other U.S. States. If you have an interest in working with NORA, contact [email protected] the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org.