News from Abbott & Mills

Ralph Mills Appointed to NORA Board - Newburgh, NY -- February 22, 2005

The National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) has appointed Ralph L. Mills to a second term on the Alliance's Board of Directors. Mr. Mills is the General Manager of Abbott & Mills Oil Heat in Newburgh, NY.

Since its inception in 2001, NORA has provided funding for research and developmentto advance oil heat technology, and for education and training for consumers and technicians.

According to Peter Smith, President of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and former NORA Board Member, "We are very pleased that Ralph will continue to be part of the NORA board. He was instrumental in getting the legislation passed to form NORA three years ago, and his experience in the oil heat business has since been an asset."

Mr. Mills previous work with NORA has allowed Abbott & Mills to expand its efforts to provide the most experienced and comprehensive oil heat service available in the Hudson Valley Region. Each member of the Abbott & Mills Technician/Service Response Team receives training, and subsequent NORA certification, based on the Alliance's 400 page Basic Oil Heat Technician Manual, which is viewed as the most user-friendly, up-to-date and precise reference tool for field technicians available.

Mr. Mills work with NORA has also led to Abbott & Mills' pioneering role in the advancement of environmentally friendly fuels. In 2003, Abbott & Mills was a participant, with NORA, in a project to test a partially vegetable based, bio-diesel fuel as a consumer product. Sponsored in part with funds from NYSERDA, the experiment is a step toward the development of viable petroleum alternatives.

According to Mills, "Abbott & Mills and the Alliance share the same goals. We're working toward advancing the knowledge base and making oil heat more efficient, more environmentally friendly, and more economical. We're not just doing it for our business, we're doing it for society as a whole."

Abbott & Mills Oil Heat is a 68-year-old family run business servicing the residents of Dutchess, Orange and Ulster Counties. Abbott & Mills provides a multitude of services including, but not limited to, automatic fuel oil delivery, price caps, budget plans and service contracts. Abbott & Mills Oil Heat is a strong supporter of community organizations and events.