FAQs
Why do installations commissioned before 15th July 2009 not qualify for tariffs?
The 15th July was the date when the Renewable Energy Strategy was published, and at the time the Government announced it would be the cut-off date.
Chapter 3 of the government's RHI announcement says
We appreciate the arguments that individuals and organisations have presented for allowing installations complete before 15th July 2009 to receive support, in particular that it may discourage potential early adopters of future technologies and that the possible increase in the price of biomass caused by increased renewables take-up, may put them at a competitive disadvantage relative to those who will receive the RHI. However, given the current tight fiscal climate, the money available for the RHI must be used in the most effective way possible to help deliver new, additional renewable heat. The RHI is not a reward, it is an incentive to drive the uptake of new renewable heat; paying for something which had been installed prior to the RHI being announced would not be an effective use of public funds and cannot be justified.
It's probably of no comfort to anyone, but we think this was wrong.
