Renewable Heat Incentive

The Renewable Heat Incentive has two schemes – Domestic and Non-Domestic. They have separate tariffs, joining conditions, rules and application processes. Ofgem administer both, to help you decide which one is for you please read the attached fact sheet.

Non-Domestic RHI

Ofgem is responsible for implementing and administering the scheme on behalf of the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

The objective of the Non-Domestic RHI is to significantly increase the proportion of heat generated from renewable sources. By driving change in a heat sector currently dominated by fossil fuel technologies, the RHI can help the UK meet EU targets to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy security. In addition the Non-Domestic RHI has the wider potential of developing ‘green jobs’.

The Non-Domestic RHI is open to the non-domestic sector including industrial, commercial, public sector and not-for-profit organisations with eligible installations. In the context of the scheme, a non-domestic installation is a renewable heat unit that supplies large-scale industrial heating to small community heating projects.

This includes for example small businesses, hospitals and schools as well as district heating schemes such as where one boiler serves multiple homes. All applications are subject to the detailed scheme rules.

Ofgem are responsible for publishing quarterly tariff tables showing the tariffs that will be applicable for each tariff period, take a look for the latest rates: Ofgem tarrifs and payments.

Domestic RHI

The key to joining the Domestic RHI is that the renewable heating system heats only a single property which is capable of getting a domestic Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) open key term pop-up. The EPC is the proof we need that your property is assessed as a domestic ‘dwelling’. Without one, you won’t be able to apply and can’t join the scheme.

An EPC gives information about a property’s energy use, plus recommendations on how to reduce energy and save money. It’s required every time you buy, sell or rent a property. It’s included as part of a Green Deal Assessment, which is a requirement for most to join the Domestic RHI.

For further information read the attached fact sheet and guidance.