**GAO-10-583**                      Published: Jun 30, 2010. Publicly Released: Aug 05, 2010.                  

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## Highlights

Millions of Americans use propane and oil heat for such purposes as heating and cooking. Congress authorized creation of the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) in 1996 and the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) in 2000 to provide research and development, safety and training, and consumer education for propane and oil heat, as the highest priority activities. Congressional deliberations on the groups' creation emphasized providing funding for research and development. PERC and NORA fund operations by assessing fees on propane and oil heat sales. GAO examined (1) how PERC and NORA spent assessments collected; (2) the extent to which their reported activities help strategic goals; (3) the extent to which key statutory requirements were met; and (4) the extent of federal oversight. GAO analyzed the Propane and Oilheat Acts and PERC and NORA documents and interviewed representatives of PERC, NORA, and the Departments of Energy (DOE) and Commerce.

## Recommendations

## Matter for Congressional Consideration

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## GAO Contacts

Mark E. Gaffigan
gaffiganm@gao.gov

(202) 512-3841

## Office of Public Affairs

Sarah Kaczmarek
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## Topics

Science and Technology

Consumer educationCost analysisCrude oilEnergy consumptionEnergy researchFinancial analysisFuel researchFuelsFunds managementHeatingPetroleum productsPrices and pricingReporting requirementsResearch and developmentResearch programsStrategic planningUse of funds