The 2009-10 Heating Season: Cold Weather, Higher Oil Prices

Despite record snowfalls and very cold temperatures, Long Island's weather was actually warmer than normal from October 2009 through February 2010, according to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Cumulatively, these months were 4% warmer than the same time last year and 3% warmer than the same months for a normal season.

As of the end of March 2010, retail heating oil prices statewide were 50 cents higher than at the same time the year before.

Fortunately, Oilheat has always been a fuel that comes with a host of value-added services that help you get the most out of every drop. (For more information on these services, click here.) And the member dealers of OHILI are pleased to deliver them to you.

In addition, Oilheat itself is getting greener. Industry representatives in the Northeast have endorsed a plan that will eliminate nearly all sulfur content in Oilheat. And this past June, the New New State Assembly passed a bill that will require all heating oil used in the state after July 1, 2011 to have less than 15 parts per million sulfur content. This "ultra-low-sulfur" legislation, which is pending in the State Senate, is supported by the Oil Heat Institute of Long Island, along with other industry associations.

The Oilheat industry's leadership also recently convened and decided to take the initiative on some important environmental incentives, rather than waiting for regulators to act. If all goes as planned, Oilheat dealers will be delivering cleaner and more environmentally-friendly fuels - including low-sulfur blends and fuels treated with performance-optimizing additives - and integrating renewable biofuels made from organic substances such as soybeans, and energy powered by the rays of the sun.

We want to thank Long Islanders for exercising smart conservation measures, which have helped them to keep prices lower. And we encourage everyone to keep on conserving - not only will you benefit, but so will our earth! (For dozens of conservation tips, click here.)

Now, as always, at OHILI, we are working hard to help you get the most for your energy dollar. We thank you for choosing Oilheat. Historically, it has always delivered value, comfort and dependability that are second to none.