Or call VFDA at 802-223-7750
Books 1, 2, 4.1, 4.2, 6 & 7
Howard Dean Center-Springfield, VT
September/October 2008
Book 1 Over
GET GAS CERTIFIED!!!!!!!
Includes the required 2 hours of CO/Venting Instruction
Electrical License CEU Course VTF-12
8 NORA CEUs and 8 VT CEUs Electrical (A-1) Renewal
October 15, 2008 FW WEBB
3091 Cold River Rd Rutland, VT
CONTACT VFDA
802-223-7750
info@vermontfuel.com
KEYS TO COMPLIANCE
Access VFDA compliance documents
Learn about TWIC, SPCC, Contract Law, CF-111 Roadside Inspections and more.
Feds Probe Oil Price Jump: Traders Subpoenaed
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has subpoenaed traders as it investigates why a New York Mercantile Exchange oil contract had its biggest dollar gain ever on Monday, according to Bloomberg News.
Congress and the CFTC are watching oil markets for signs of manipulation after prices rose to a record $147.27 a barrel in July. Congress held hearings this summer on whether speculators are driving up prices, and the House passed legislation last week that would curb speculation in commodities such as oil.
The CFTC said in a statement Monday that it would "scour" trading data to determine whether manipulation was involved. Thanks to de-regulation, paper oil traders now dominate the futures market. This has created extreme volatility that does not correlate to supply and demand. Crude oil for October delivery climbed more than $25 a barrel Monday in Nymex trading before settling 16 percent higher. The previous week, as hurricanes closed refineries along the Gulf Coast, the price of crude dipped to $91 a barrel.
WHAT NOW? Congress is currently trying to sort out the greatest challenges to the U.S. financial system since the Great Depression. Vermont fuel retailers and their customers have an interest in shaping this legislation. We urge you to contact our elected representatives to encourage them to tackle these issues:
Wall Street Reforms Wall Street should not be allowed to operate with increasingly complex investment interests without the necessary oversight by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission. Absolute transparency is needed to ensure free markets operate properly. VFDA strongly supports the Stop Excessive Energy Speculation Act (S. 3268) and the recently House-passed Commodity Markets Transparency and Accountability Act (H.R. 6604) which would establish the additional transparency necessary to prevent manipulation, excess speculation and other market abuses. The longer we wait, the more consumers remain exposed to paying a “speculative premium” for oil, gas and other commodities.
Homeowner Energy Loans H.R. 6920 would guarantee loans for up to $5,000 for low income Americans to pay for home heating purchases and repairs. Funds may go directly to supplier. H.R. 6920 should be included in the Economic Stimulus Package or in the Continuing Resolution which Congress must pass by the end of this week.
Heating Assistance Included in a massive spending measure passed this week is $5.1 billion in vital LIHEAP funding, which is $2.5 billion above the fiscal year 2008 level. Of this $5.1 billion, $2.8 billion would be designated as emergency funding. Also, the measure provides an additional $250 million for weatherization assistance programs. Last year, Vermont received a LIHEAP block grant of $11.7 million, and an overall total of nearly $19.4 million in funding. This year Vermont stands to receive almost $25.6 million in block grant funding from the program.
CREDIT CRISIS In May, more than 200 VFDA members gathered at Basin Harbor for our Spring Conference. The primary focus of the conference was the credit issues faces heating fuel marketers-- both large and small. These issues have become even more pronounced given the current crisis facing the financial industry. Even solid companies who found it relatively easy to borrow money a year or two ago will find it more difficult now and for the foreseeable future. In order to be as prepared as possible to meet the needs of heating fuel retailers, VFDA has worked to make it easier for our members to survive these difficult times.
A recent anonymous survey of heating fuel dealers found that more than 80% of retailers reported that borrowing sufficient funds and/or securing adequate credit lines to operate thru the heating season was a “serious issue.” More than a third admitted they don’t currently have enough cash. There is help available, thanks to the SBA. Loan guarantees from the SBA are not gifts or grants – and the retailer will need to qualify for a loan from a commercial lender before even being eligible for consideration for a loan guarantee. This SBDC process will help retailers get themselves in the best position possible to go meet with a private lender.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD IMPORTANT SBA DOCUMENTS
BIOHEAT® Impact on En
vironment
One of the latest studies focusing on greenhouse gas emissions resulting from home heating fuels was unveiled in Boston in September 2008. The final report was submitted by ICF International, a professional services firm recognized worldwide as having expertise in energy, climate change and the environment. The report is an unbiased analysis of emissions and efficiency related to home heating fuels. When used in conjunction with ultra low sulfur and biofuel products, heating oil holds a clear advantage over natural gas (NG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) in both efficiency and reduced emissions. Download full report CLICK HERE
Energy Efficiency VFDA is holding several Energy Efficiency Seminars over the next few months. The goal of these seminars is to teach participants how to do a "whole house" Energy Conservation Analysis. This is an exhaustive examination of the customer’s heating system, including the various heating system upgrade options for the customer and the potential savings from each. Recognizing that the building is part of the heating system, techs will learn how to evaluate the building's sealing and insulation.
There are more than 450 certified oilheat technicians and more than 550 CETP certified propane technicians in Vermont. The Energy Conservation Analysis program will give this highly trained workforce the ability to become the whole house energy expert. The Connecticut Office of Policy Management has determined that this program will become the new standard for state certified energy audits. We fully expect other states, including Vermont, will quickly adopt this standard as it provides the most qualified and comprehensive analysis of home energy conservation.
Our Energy Conservation Analysis class in Montpelier is sold out!
To schedule one in your area please contact VFDA.
MONTPELIER NOTEBOOK
- Vermont State Treasurer announced a new program to help homeowners cut their fuel costs. TD Banknorth has agreed to provide $2 million in low-interest loans. Consumers will be able to borrow up to $5,000 dollars at an interest rate of 3.75%. The money must go to weatherization or heating system replacements. To learn more about the program contact VFDA.
- According to the Vermont Fuel Assistance Office, there has been a 25 percent increase in applications (6,000 new applications). That translates into a 10-12 percent increase in caseloads.
- Lamoille County is considering making heating assistance recipients pay for their own trip charges. They are also investigating the possibility of requiring community service hours in exchange for fuel assistance.
- Fire Wardens will be doing trainings throughout the state to educate Vermonters on the dangers associated with burning green wood, space heaters, and other improvised heating devices (IHDs).