Non-domestic scheme consultation
In 2012 the government consulted on proposals to extend the non-domestic scheme, and in 2013 it announced a review of tariff levels
2013 tariff review
Further to the government announcement in January 2013 that it would be reconsidering the tariff levels, proposed new rates were published in June for consultation.
Some higher tariffs (but some lower)
The proposed new tariffs are listed here.
Amongst other things, the original statement said:
DECC is particularly keen to ensure that where technologies, such as ground source heat pumps, have had low take up to date that any updated tariff is set to provide the right incentive
If any such tariffs are increased, the higher level will apply to all installations from 21st January:
It is DECC’s intention that where tariffs increase as a result of this work, installations accredited from today (21st January) would benefit from that increase
2012 consultation
The consultation documents included: The consultation, which closed on 7th December 2012, a regulatory impact assessment with annex, and description and spreadsheet on the calculation of tariff levels.
We provide an overview of the main proposals below. See also the government's web-page on this consultation.
Added eligible technologies
The government proposes to add the following:
| Technology | Size |
Potential tariff (p/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Air-to-air heat pumps | All | 0.97p |
| Biomass direct air heating | <1MWth | 2.1p |
| >1MWth | 1p (or less) | |
| Biogas combustion | 200kW - 500kW | 5.9p |
| >500kW | 2.2p | |
| Biomass CHP | All | 4.1p |
| Bioliquid CHP | All | 4.1p |
| Deep geothermal (>500m) | All | 5.0p |
It also wants to review these other technologies and will issue 'calls for evidence':
- Landfill gas
- Ground source heat pumps (already eligible, but to be reviewed)
- Biopropane
- Large biomass (>1MW)
- Solar thermodynamic
- Active solar air heating
Other changes
The government is considering introducing energy efficiency requirements. These would not apply to process heat. District heating could be aligned with those for the domestic RHI scheme based on the Green Deal Industrial and commercial heat users might be allowed the choice of a range of alternative methods to demonstrate their energy efficiency.
The government will revisit the definition of solid biomass with respect to eligibility.
The government intends to allow amendments to conditions of accreditation after an installation has been accepted onto the scheme (this sounds contentious!).
