The RHI is administered by the energy regulator Ofgem
This is an overview of the administrative arrangements
The scheme administrator, Ofgem, is responsible for overseeing the whole scheme and maintaining the register of eligible systems and the tariffs paid to them. This factsheet describes how they see their responsibilities.
Ofgem has published its proposed guidance documents, which break the process into to parts:
Their overview and an introduction to their consultation on this guidance can be seen here, and a presentation by the responsible managers at Ofgem is here.
The adminstrators in particular oversee the following processes:
Tariff registration
The registration process as seen from the applicant’s perspective, is described here, and is covered in Volume 1 of Ofgem’s guidance.
Ofgem has a set process for registering systems for the RHI; this covers:
- Where appropriate pre-accrediting larger systems
- Reviewing the applications which can be on-line, by phone or in writing
- Checking the details against the eligibility criteria
- If the requirements are met, accrediting the system
If this all sounds rather daunting, you can get help with registration – see here.
Most of the following procedures are covered by Volume 2 of Ofgem’s guidance.
Making RHI payments
The payment process as seen from the recipent’s perspective, is described here.
Ofgem will:
- Receive the regular meter readings
- Calculate the relevant payments
- Make payments quarterly.
Maintaining the register, reporting and inspections
There will be a central register of all RHI installations with data on each. Ofgem must be advised if any are changed or sold.
Ofgem will obtain the required annual compliance declarations from participants. It will also arrange for inspections, site visits and other checks as may be required.
Ofgem will prepare annual reports on the progress of the scheme.
Compliance
The administrator will also oversee compliance aspects of the scheme to ensure that participants follow the rules, and can institute non-compliance procedures if they don’t.
There are many sanctions available to Ofgem in this regard, including:
- Suspending or withholding payment temporarily or permanently
- Reducing payments and adjusting them retrospectively
- Excluding participants from the scheme
- Acting against certified installers who don’t follow the rules
- Prosecuting for fraud
The participants have limited recourse in these circumstances, and there is a complaints procedure.
How the administration will be handled
Ofgem issue guidance documents on how all the administrative procedures will be managed (see above).
It has also issued a brief leaflet on the RHI.
