Renewable heat incentive
On the 10th March 2011, the Government published details of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). The RHI will offer financial stimulus for renewable heat generating technology. While a number of countries have adopted ‘Feed in Tariff’ approaches to electricity generation, this is the first scheme in the world to consider renewable heat.
The RHI will be implemented in in two phases…
Phase one the Renewable Heat Premium Payment was launched 1st August 2011.
Phase two the Government has not yet published its proposals for how the Renewable Heat Incentive will work in the domestic sector, so there is no guarantee at this stage that those of you who are eligible for an Renewable Heat Premium Payment grant will also be eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive.
Whilst Air source heat pumps will be eligible for the Renewable Premium Payment, a decision on whether or not they'll be included in the RHI payments will be based upon consumer feedback on the performance of the technologies. This should be clarified towards the end of 2011.
RHI important for Wiltshire
With large proportions of Wiltshire being off the mains gas network, homes and businesses in Wiltshire’s off gas areas are locked into using solid fuel, oil, LPG gas or electricity to heat their buildings and hot water. These fuels are generally more expensive than natural gas and more carbon intensive. The RHI could be very beneficial for Wiltshire’s residents and businesses and save significant amounts of money as well as lowering carbon emissions.
For more information on the different types of technologies, how they work and how suitable they may be for your property, visit the Energy Saving Trust website.
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy
More information about the RHI is available on the Department of Energy and Climate Change website.
www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/uk_supply/energy_mix/renewable/policy/incentive/incentive.