From Guest Blogger Green Energy Scotland: Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme in UK – A Complete Guide to Follow
UK Government has made a commendable step towards conservation of fossil fuels with RHI. Renewable heat incentive is a scheme which encourage the householders, communities and businesses to uptake several renewable heat technologies, providing them financial incentives. The government of UK has put this effort to meet their target of achieving 12% heat generation from renewable sources by 2020.
Is it for the Domestic Users?
In the year 2012, RHI was launched for the non domestic sector. And now on 9th April, 2014 it becomes accessible to the domestic consumers too. The scheme for domestic sector covers three main regions of UK, England, Wales and Scotland namely. Initially, the domestic RHI scheme serves the owner of the renewable heating system with financial support for seven years. It is a great step to promote the use of renewable heat, switching to heating systems which reduces carbon emission. These systems make use of naturally replenished energy rather than any other fossil fuels.
Video: Applying for the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive
Am I Eligible for RHI?
This amazing scheme is open to all but you need to meet the joining requirements first. So, before you get to know more about domestic RHI, read out its complete eligibility criterion first:
Eligibility for the applicants: As per the guidelines, the domestic RHI covers:
- Single domestic dwellings
- Private landlords
- Registered Providers of Social Housing
- New build properties (only by self-builders)
Anyone from the above mentioned groups, who satisfies the scheme’s criteria completely are eligible for the financial incentives.
Eligibility for technology to be used:
For applying to RHI, there are several renewable heat technology factors you need to consider, read here,
- You need biomass (wood fuelled) boilers
- For space heating, having a biomass pellet stoves with integrated boilers is a must.
- Air to water and Ground to water heat pumps
- And those for your hot water needs; solar thermal panels either flat plate or the evacuated tube
Some other Requirements:
- All the systems and installers need to be certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (or equivalent)
- Systems beings used must be listed on the Product Eligibility List.
- To assure that you meet the minimum energy efficient requirement, you need to complete a Green Deal Assessment (GDA).
How can I Apply for Domestic RHI?
So, now you are ready to apply for RHI, it can be easily done online via Ofgem’s website. Once you are clear with the eligibility criterion and provide all the relevant information, you do not require a manual review. But, if you are unable to apply online then you can contact the Domestic RHI application support centre of Ofgem on 0300 003 0744. You can place your call from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 19:00 and on Saturday 09:00 to 14:00.
Here’s a video on the subject:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3PNoBnyGok]
What Else Do I Need?
At times, applying for the domestic RHI is quick process but if you lack some information, it can be a little problem. Hence, be ready when you start the application with the following data:
- The MCS installation certificate number for the heating system
- The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) number
- If you are not a self-builder, then you will also need a Green Deal advice report number
- And your bank details
Will This Prove to Be Beneficial?
This financial support scheme of UK government pays homeowners, landlords and self-builders for installing renewable heating systems, encouraging them to switch from the traditional methods of using gas, oil or LPG. There are several benefits of RHI, having the three in main list:
1) Financial incentives for heating up your home with a renewable form
2) Advantage of ongoing cheaper running costs
3) A significant decrease in the carbon footprints
The incentives will be paid to you for 7 years. The payments you receive are based on the calculated heat for the property which is designed to more than cover the cost of the installation. One thing you need to not here is that in order to control the costs of RHI scheme, UK government intends to review the RHI rates regularly. Thus, the RHI rate will be fixed as soon as you switch to renewable energy heating. Hence, if you are looking for better returns, it is worth having your system installed as early as possible.
Author Bio: Hope you enjoyed the article contributed by Green Energy Scotland limited who advise people about Green Deal Scotland.
