Greener way to turn heat up this winter: Troy fuel supplier to offer blend of biodiesel for home furnaces.

Byline: Brian Nearing

May 22--TROY -- Biodiesel made from Midwestern soybeans may help heat homes in the Capital Region this winter.

Fuel supplier John Ray & Sons of Troy is the first in the area to offer bioheating oil, a blend of biodiesel and regular No. 2 heating oil, said President Ken Ray.

The blend, which uses 5 percent biodiesel, is less polluting than straight oil, he said. Ray's 104-year-old company last year started selling biodiesel for vehicles and other uses.

"We did some testing of this product on our own, and it came through with flying colors," he said. "It's ready."

The biodiesel portion of the blend, made from …