The rules for commercial installations are different from residential systems

This page introduces the scheme for non-domestic systems (RHI Phase 1)

What is non-domestic?

The scheme document says non-domestic sectors include: industrial and the commercial sector; the public sector; not-for-profit organisations and communities.

There is a further definition as to what would qualify as residential on the household systems page. Non-domestic is everything that wouldn’t classify under that definition.

For these applications the scheme started on 28th November 2011

… after several delays. It applies for any eligible systems installed since 15th July 2009.

What rules apply for these users?

Most of the criteria published on this website apply to non-residential systems (because the details for residential installations haven’t been published yet).

The main aspects you may want to know about are:

• The applicable tariff levels
• The eligibility criteria
• How heat is measured to calculate the tariffs
• The administrative arrangements

Launch announcement

The following was received from the government on 25th November:

Dear stakeholder,

I am pleased to inform you that the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for industrial, commercial, public sector and not-for-profit and community installations will open its doors for applications from Monday 28 November 2011.  This follows the successful passage of the revised RHI Regulations through Parliament this week.

The start of the scheme follows a short delay from the planned 30 September launch date while we resolved the scheme’s compatibility with EU state aid rules.   Approval of the scheme by the European Commission was given on the condition that the large biomass tariff was reduced from 2.7p per kWh to 1p per kWh.  In order to minimise the impact of this condition we decided to implement the Commission’s decision and redraft the Regulations, which then had to be submitted for Parliamentary approval.

If you are interested in applying for support under the scheme you will need to contact Ofgem who are responsible for administering the scheme.  More information about how to apply, as well as detailed Guidance documents to support you through this process, is available on their website atwww.ofgem.gov.uk/rhi.  Alternatively you can contact their enquiries centre on 0845 200 2122 or by email to.

Further information about the policy underpinning the scheme can be found on our website atwww.decc.gov.uk/rhi.

If you are interested in the opportunities available for householders, the Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme is already up and running.  This scheme provides money off renewable heat technologies for householders.  Vouchers are still available – householders have until 31st March next year to apply.   Please contact the Energy Saving Trust (EST) if you are interested in applying for support under this scheme on 0800 512 012 or by visiting their website atwww.energysavingtrust.org.uk/rhpp.

There will also be support for householders under the second phase of the RHI, the timing of which will be confirmed early in the new year.  The Government remains absolutely committed to driving the renewable heat agenda not just in the industrial, business and public sector, but in the domestic sector as well.