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Heating Oil Efficiency

The Northeast states are in a crisis over soaring heating oil prices, which have tripled since 2001. Consumers and oil distributors throughout the region are worried about the coming winter and government officials and others are working to find solutions.

Background

The Northeast relies heavily on fuel oil for space and water heating in homes and businesses. This dependence on imported fuel oil leaves the region vulnerable to unreliable supply and...
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Heating Oil Efficiency

ENE advocates establishing and increasing natural gas and heating oil efficiency investments as a primary solution for addressing the current crisis.

 

New investments in natural gas and fuel oil efficiency save consumers money, keep energy dollars at home, grow the state’s economy, and reduce carbon emissions. Many states have natural gas efficiency programs, but more aggressive investments in these and also heating oil efficiency programs can deliver further savings and environmental benefits.

 

Maine consumers will be among some of the hardest hit by high oil prices this winter. ENE is working with the Governor's office, state officials, stakeholder groups and other advocates in the state to promote efficiency and other solutions that will help residents and businesses save energy and save on their bills.

 

ENE's Michael Stoddard joined panelists John Kerry (Governor's Office of Energy Independence and Security), Irving Faunce (Western ME Community Action on the TV talk show State of the State to discuss policy solutions to Maine's oil heat crisis. (Listen to the podcast.)

 

ENE also proposed efficiency investments as a way for the federal government to help customers who are suffering high oil prices.ENE Deputy Director Michael Stoddard was invited to testify before the United States Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship at a public hearing entitled "Examining Solutions to Cope with the Rise in Home Heating Oil Prices." ENE's recommendations to the committee include a major infusion of investment in energy efficiency programs for customers who heat their businesses and homes with fuel oil, kerosene, or propane to help them gain control over escalating heating costs. (Watch the hearing at the Senate Web site.)