FAQs

Yes they can, though this is only intended to apply to larger systems.

Chapter 2 of the government's RHI announcement says

Preliminary accreditation

We intend to allow applicants to apply for preliminary accreditation. In practice this would mean that an organisation can submit plans and evidence demonstrating that, once built, an installation would meet the eligibility criteria of the scheme. If Ofgem is satisfied that all eligibility criteria would be met, it would then grant preliminary accreditation. Providing that the installation is then built in line with the plans submitted, or, where changes are made, Ofgem is satisfied that the project still meets the eligibility criteria, the installation would then be granted full accreditation.

We think this could help provide extra certainty for investors that a future installation would receive support under the RHI once built, which in turn can help secure the financial investment needed to get the installation built. The appropriate tariff level will be set at the point at which full accreditation is granted and not at the point of preliminary accreditation.

Preliminary accreditation should not be necessary for simple installations, so we will consider setting a threshold for where it may be sought. This will be set out in the regulations underpinning the scheme.