The domestic RHI is here!
On Wednesday 9th April, the DECC finally announced the launch of the domestic RHI. This will come as a huge relief to the renewable heating comminuty as the launch had been delayed by 13 months.
The domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is the world’s first long-term financial support programme for renewable heat, offering homeowners payments to offset the cost of installing low carbon systems in their properties.
The scheme is open to everyone – home owners, social and private landlords, and people who build their own homes. It is available to households both on and off the gas grid.
| Technology | Tariff |
|---|---|
| Air-source heat pumps | 7.3p/kWh |
| Ground and water-source heat pumps | 18.8p/kWh |
| Biomass-only boilers and biomass pellet stoves with integrated boilers | 12.2p/kWh |
| Solar thermal panels (flat plate and evacuated tube for hot water only) | 19.2 p/kWh |
The guaranteed payments are made quarterly over seven years for households in England, Wales and Scotland. (Northern Ireland has its own RHI scheme). The scheme is designed to bridge the gap between the cost of fossil fuel heat sources and renewable heat alternatives.
The Renewable Energy Association (REA) has already backed the scheme, and says its introduction could make 2014 a breakthrough year for renewable heating.
Pre-application enquiries from customers can be directed to the Energy Saving Advice Service (in England & Wales) on 0300 123 1234 or Home Energy Scotland (in Scotland) 0808 808 2282. Customers wishing to apply for the incentive can apply on the OFGEM website which contains a range of useful support materials.
Existing H.D. Services Ltd customers can contact our offices for further advice and support on the application, specific to your installation.
The full announcement from the DECC can be found here.