Additionally , NEFI has advocated for fuel delivery drivers and HVAC service technicians to be considered essential workers so that they can continue to do their jobs . Just as we played an integral role in the pandemic response , we continue to support Main Street businesses ’ employees and customers throughout the recovery .
This brings us to the latest potential crisis – a surge in energy prices . At the start of the season , wholesale and retail prices of heating oil and propane rose sharply along with the cost of crude oil , natural gas and electricity . Again , this isn ’ t the first time our industry has been challenged by volatile energy markets , and it likely won ’ t be the last . What ’ s most important is that we continue to serve our customers reliably during these trying times . NEFI has been in contact with the federal government to discuss potential issues , and heating fuel dealers continue to offer a range of options to help their customers navigate volatile economic conditions , including payment plans and access to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program . No doubt , there may be more challenges ahead this winter , but our industry , as always , stands ready to be part of the solution .
FACILITATING OUR INDUSTRY ’ S CONTINUED SURVIVAL AND GROWTH
AEC and NEFI leaders continue to actively participate in the Net-Zero Taskforce , a group of heating fuel business and association representatives working to ensure our industry ’ s survival and growth for future generations . We meet biweekly to discuss issues such as those covered in this article and strategize regarding next steps on our collective path to a net-zero carbon future . The third annual Industry Summit held this past September at the 2021 HEAT Show demonstrated that we remain firmly committed to the goals of the Providence Resolution , and confirmed that the unified front presented by that historic agreement has made us stronger and more resilient than ever .
On September 27-29 , 2022 , the HEAT Show returns to where it all started , the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence – site of the first annual liquid heating fuel Industry Summit and the birthplace of the Providence Resolution . We ’ re going back to show just how far our
industry has come since the resolution passed unanimously in September 2019 , and to demonstrate how much further we can go when we continue to support one another ’ s efforts . Additional information on this event will be announced in the near future , but in the meantime you can find out more by visiting HEATShow . com .
In the weeks and months ahead , you will also hear more about the liquid heating fuel industry ’ s Survive & Thrive Fund , an initiative announced in the second installment of this column from June 2021 . This fund is being launched to give local heating fuel businesses like yours the opportunity to play a more active role in determining the industry ’ s future . It will help raise money for mission-critical activities ranging from consumer marketing and communications to legal actions and legislative advocacy . Make no mistake : our industry has achieved significant victories over the past 12 months , but we still have a long way to go .
As mentioned in the September installment of this column , the heating oil industry lost more than 1.4 million customer accounts , or approximately 25 % of market share , between 2010 and 2019 . Now , for the first time in a generation , we are finally positioned to reverse this trend and expand our businesses with new sustainable products and revenue streams . We are looking forward to a bright and prosperous future , but we can only get there with your continued support . Please keep this in mind as you consider the next steps for your organization . l FON
Sean Cota is the president and chief executive officer of the National Energy & Fuels Institute . He can be reached at sean . cota @ nefi . com .
Thomas J . Tubman is the executive director of the American Energy Coalition , which promotes the benefits of oil heat in comparison to other energy sources , particularly natural gas . www . fueloilnews . com | FUEL OIL NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022 31