Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive - Tariff adjustment for the year from 1 April 2013
This note is intended for those with an interest in the Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
Under the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012, the NI RHI tariffs must be adjusted annually in line with the retail price index (RPI) for the previous calendar year[[1] Regulation 36(7)b1]. DETI must make the necessary calculations and publish the revised tariffs and Ofgem, as administrators of the scheme, must take account of the tariff changes and ensure they are applied.
The below table provides the tariff for the period from the start of the RHI up to the 31 March 2013, and the adjusted tariff for the year from 1 April 2013. Heat generated and used for eligible purposes will be paid the 2012-13 tariff up to 31 March, and from 1 April 2013 the new tariff will automatically be applied on the RHI Register.
The increase in the RPI for the calendar year 2012 was 3.1% (see Office for National Statistics: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/cpi/consumer-price-indices/january-2013/cpi-and-rpi-reference-tables.xls ). The tariffs are therefore increasing by this amount, with the resulting figure being rounded, in line with regulations, to the nearest tenth of a penny, with any twentieth of a penny being rounded upwards.
For further information on the RHI, please see our Guidance Documents and other information on the Ofgem website: http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/e-serve/RHI/ni/Pages/index.aspx
If you have any queries on the administration of the RHI, please contact Ofgem at RHI.Enquiry@Ofgem.gov.uk or by phone on 0845 200 2122.
CONSULTATION ON POLICY PROPOSALS FOR AN OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY BILL
Supplementary consultation on solar PV support, biomass affordability and retaining the minimum calorific value in the NIRO - Consultation Response
The Departments response to the supplementary consultation on proposed changes to the NIRO on solar PV support, biomass affordability and retaining minimum calorific value from 1 April 2013 was published on 24 January 2013
Subject to Assembly and EU State Aid approval, the regulation settings the new bands in law will take effect on 1 April 2013
A draft Renewables Obligation (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2013 will be published on this page shortly.
Final Regulatory Impact Assesment
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has launched a statutory consultation on further legislative measures to transpose the EU Third Energy Package.
The Department is seeking views and comments on a number of proposed legislative amendments to the Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (“the Gas Order”); the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (“the Energy Order”); the Electricity (Single Wholesale Market) (Northern Ireland) 2007 (“the SEM Order”); the Gas and Electricity (Internal Markets) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 (“the IME3 Regulations”); and the Competition and Service (Electricity) (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 (“the Competition and Service Order”) which will implement certain requirements of the EU Third Energy Package.
All responses to this consultation should be submitted by 25 February 2013 to LNG@detini.gov.uk
The consultation document can be obtained by clicking on the link below:
CONSULTATION ON FURTHER LEGISLATIVE MEASURES TO TRANSPOSE THE EU THIRD ENERGY PACKAGE
Responses to the consultation
The Department received 8 responses to the consultation. These can be viewed below.
Electricity Association of Ireland
The Department compiled a synopsis of the responses including the Department’s view on the issues raised. This is available below.
Summary of Consultee Responses and Government Response
The Department intends to have the legislation in place by 12 April 2013
New Electricity Regulations. Coming into operation on 31 December 2012.
The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012. (ESQCR) [2012 No.381]
These new Regulations specify safety standards aimed at protecting the general public and electricity consumers from any danger posed by electrical owned or operated by generators, distributors or suppliers of electricity . In addition the Regulations specify power quality and supply continuity requirements to ensure an efficient and economic electricity supply service for consumers.
The ESQCR will replace the Electricity Supply Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1991
The Regulations are available from The Stationery Office at www.tsoshop.co.uk
ESQCR Guidance Document (Northern Ireland) 2012
The guidance document is intended to assist duty holders in meeting the requirements of the Regulations.
Renewable Heat Incentive
DETI have now launched the Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive. The RHI is available for non-domestic generators of renewable heat technologies and provides long term financial support for eligible renewable heat technologies.
Further information on the scheme can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk/energywise
Guidance documents for applicants are available below.
NI RHI Guidance - Volume 1 - Eligibility and Application
NI RHI Guidance - Volume 2 - Ongoing Obligations
Proposed changes to the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation (NIRO) – Supplementary Consultation on Large Scale Solar PV and Biomass Sustainability
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has launched a statutory consultation on further proposed changes to the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation (NIRO). This is supplementary to the recent consultation and subsequent government response published in August 2012 on changes to NIRO in 2013. This consultation relates to proposed changes to banding levels for large scale solar PV, biomass sustainability and value for money and grace periods for CHP projects. The proposals to amend ROC banding levels will come into operation on 1 April 2013.
Responses to the large-scale solar PV consultation, Part B of the biomass consultation and proposed grace period for CHP projects should be submitted by 4 December 2012.
Responses to Part A of the biomass consultation should be submitted by 15 January 2013.
The consultation document can be obtained by clicking on the link below:
This consultation is closely linked to the consultations on changes to the Renewables Obligation being undertaken by the Department of Energy and Climate Change. The RO consultation documents can be accessed at:
Consultation on proposed amendments to the Gas (Applications for Licences and Extensions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has launched a statutory consultation seeking views and comments over a three month period on a number of minor amendments/updates to the Gas (Applications for Licences and Extensions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996
All responses to this consultation should be submitted by 7 December 2012 to gasapplicationslicences@detini.gov.uk
The Consultation document can be obtained by clicking on the link below:
Responses
NIRO Banding Review - Consultation Response
The Department's response to the consultation on the Renewables Obligation Banding Levels from 1 April 2013 was published on 2 August 2012.
Subject to Assembly and EU State Aid approval, the regulations setting the new bands in law will take effect on 1 April 2013
Proposed Changes to the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation
DECC Consultation on the Renewables Obligation Banding Review
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Designating the provisions of EC Regulations No.714/2009 (the Electricity Regulation) and No. 715/2009 (the Gas Regulation) as Relevant Requirements
May 2012
The Department is seeking consultees’ comments on its proposals to designate provisions of the Electricity and Gas Regulations as relevant requirements pursuant to Articles 41A and 41B of the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003. Articles 41A and 41B require the Department to designate as relevant requirements those provisions of the Electricity Regulation and the Gas Regulation which impose a duty or requirement on any regulated person and to publish such designation in the Belfast Gazette.
Designating the provisions will have the effect of bringing them within the enforcement regime under the Energy Order. This means that the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (‘the Utility Regulator’) can enforce at national level the obligations under the Regulations and, if necessary, impose penalties for non-compliance.
The consultation can be accessed at the link below and comments should be forwarded to
electricity@detini.gov.uk by 27 July 2012
Relevant Requirements Consultation Document
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Consultation on the introduction of electricity distribution licensing exemptions and the imposition of obligations on licence exempt distributors and suppliers
9 July 2012
In this consultation paper, the Department seeks views and comments on the electricity distribution licensing exemptions which should apply in Northern Ireland.
The Department also seeks comments on the proposed imposition of obligations on licence exempt electricity distributors and suppliers in Northern Ireland, which stem from the requirements of Directive EC/72/2009.
The consultation period will close on 12 October 2012.
The consultation document may be accessed here.
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Consultation on the Revised Procedure for Electricity and Gas Licence Modifications and Appeals Process
9 July 2012
The Department considers that certain aspects of the legislative arrangements for electricity and gas licence modifications are incompatible with IME 3 package requirements. In order to ensure compliance with the IME 3 requirements, in particular that the National Regulatory Authority can undertake its duties independently and can take autonomous decisions, the Department considers it necessary to review and amend these arrangements.
The consultation paper sets out the Department’s proposals for changes to the gas and electricity licence modification and appeals process in light of the revised arrangements now in place in Great Britain and taking into account any circumstances which are particular to Northern Ireland, and gives consultees an opportunity to comment on those proposals.
The consultation period will close on 12 October 2012.
The consultation document may be accessed here.
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Consultation on Policy Proposals for an Energy Bill
The Northern Ireland Executive’s strategic aim is for a more sustainable energy system in which energy is used as efficiently as possible; where much more of our energy is from renewable sources; and where energy is as competitively priced as possible. The Executive’s Strategic Energy Framework (SEF) envisions Northern Ireland’s energy future over years to 2020 with the key energy goals of building competitive markets, ensuring security of supply, enhancing sustainability and developing our energy infrastructure.
In order to pursue these goals, and aid delivery of the SEF, DETI proposes to ask the Northern Ireland Assembly to make new primary legislation, to allow for greater powers for sustainable energy and additional regulatory measures relating to natural gas and electricity.
Representations or objections with respect to the statutory policy consultation may be made by 14 September 2012 to Sustainable Energy Branch, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Netherleigh, Massey Avenue, Belfast BT4 2JP or by email to energy.bill@detini.gov.uk.
Consultation document can be obtained by clicking on the link below:
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Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Premium Payment Scheme
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Electricity Market Reform and Northern Ireland
Energy Minister Arlene Foster MLA, has announced how Northern Ireland will implement a series of measures as part of UK-wide implementation of Electricity Market Reform (EMR). This follows the publication today of the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s draft Energy Bill.
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Sustainable Energy Action Plan 2012-2015
The Action Plan outlines the various initiatives being undertaken by the Northern Ireland Executive and includes a statement of leadership from the Executive, demonstrating a united and long-lasting commitment to sustainable energy.
A commitment to produce a SEAP was included within the Strategic Energy Framework (SEF), which was published by the Department of Trade and Investment (DETI) in September 2010. The document has been developed with the input of most NI departments, as well as the NI Authority for Utility Regulation, through the DETI - led Sustainable Energy Inter Departmental Working Group (SEIDWG).
Sustainable Energy Action Plan
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Offshore Renewable Electricity Action Plan
The Department has published the Offshore Renewable Energy Strategic Action Plan 2012-2020. The draft Plan was consulted upon widely and was the subject of a Strategic Environmental Assessment and a Habitats Regulation Appraisal to assess potential impacts on the environment and other marine users. The Plan, which has been informed by this process, contains a range of actions to facilitate the successful and sustainable development of offshore renewable energy in Northern Ireland waters.
The Action Plan can be obtained by clicking on the link below
NI Offshore Renewable Energy Strategic Action Plan 2012-2020
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Draft Onshore Renewable Electricity Action Plan
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has launched a statutory consultation on a draft Onshore Renewable Electricity Action Plan which aims to maximise the amount of renewable electricity generated from onshore renewable sources in order to enhance diversity and security of supply, reduce carbon emissions, contribute to the 40% renewable electricity target by 2020 and beyond and develop business and employment opportunities for Northern Ireland companies.
This draft Plan has been the subject of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) which has considered the potential effects of such developments on the environment in Northern Ireland. The findings of the SEA are documented in an Environmental Report and Non-Technical Summary.
All responses to this consultation should be submitted by 20 January 2012.
The consultation document and associated environmental documents can be obtained by clicking on the link below:
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Proposed changes to the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation (NIRO)
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has launched a statutory consultation on proposed changes to the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation (NIRO) and other changes on which views are being sought. The proposals to amend ROC banding levels will come into operation on 1 April 2013.
All responses to this consultation should be submitted by 19 January 2012.
The consultation document can be obtained by clicking on the link below:
This consultation is closely linked to the consultation on changes to the Renewables Obligation being undertaken by the Department of Energy and Climate Change. The RO consultation document can be accessed at this link: DECC
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Suppliers NIRO Obligation level for 2012/13 is 0.081 ROCs per MWh of electricity supplied
Article 12(4) of the Renewables Obligation Order (Northern Ireland) 2009 ("the NIRO Order") requires the Department to publish the level of a forthcoming Obligation Period by 1st October preceding that Obligation Period.
The calculation process set out in Articles 5 to 12 of the NIRO Order has now been completed and in accordance with Article 12(4), the Department can today confirm that the Obligation level for supplies to customers in Northern Ireland for the period running from 1st April 2012 to 31st March 2013 will be 0.081 ROCs per MWh (megawatt hour) supplied.
The Obligation level for England, Scotland and Wales has been set at 0.158 ROCs per MWh for the same period.
Full details of how the Obligation level is calculated are available on the DECC website.
Notes
The Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation (NIRO) is the main support mechanism for encouraging increased renewable electricity generation in Northern Ireland. It operates in tandem with the Renewables Obligations in Great Britain - the 'ROS' in Scotland and the 'RO' in England & Wales - in a UK-wide market for Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) issued to generators under the Obligations. The NIRO, like the GB Obligations, obliges electricity suppliers to produce a certain number of these ROCs for each Megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity which they supply to their customers in Northern Ireland or to pay a Buy-Out fee that is proportionate to any shortfall in the number of ROCs being so presented.
With the introduction of 'banding' to all three UK Obligations from April 2009 the number of ROCs due to be presented can vary from the specific proportion of electricity sales that had hitherto been fixed for each year as the supplier's obligation. This is because the number of ROCs issued to generators for each MWh of electricity now varies according to the banding of their particular technology or renewable energy source and because the Obligation level must be set at a level that is at least 10% above the projected number of ROCs that will be available in that particular year
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Regional Locational Guidance (RLG) for Offshore Renewable Energy Developments in NI Waters
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INFORMATION EVENT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NORTHERN IRELAND RENEWABLE HEAT INCENTIVE CONSULTATION
DETI is now offering the opportunity to attend an information event for stakeholders in order to gather early views on the proposals.
The information event will be in in DETI offices at the following times:
- Thursday 8 September 2011 @ 10.30am - 12.30pm (FULL)
- Thursday 8 September 2011 @ 2.00pm - 4.00pm (FULL)
Both information events are fully booked. However, if you are still interested in attending such an event, there may be a potential further session scheduled dependent on numbers interested. You can register your interest at ni.rhi@detini.gov.uk
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CONSULTATION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NORTHERN IRELAND RENEWABLE HEAT INCENTIVE
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CONSULTATION ON INTRODUCING NEW ELECTRICITY LEGISLATION TO NORTHERN IRELAND
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CONSULTATION ON THE POTENTIAL FOR EXTENDING THE NATURAL GAS NETWORK IN NORTHERN IRELAND
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has launched a statutory consultation on the potential for extending the natural gas network in Northern Ireland. This consultation seeks views of stakeholders on how the natural gas network in Northern Ireland might be extended.
All responses to this consultation should be submitted by 30 September 2011 to gasextension@detini.gov.uk
The Consultation document can be obtained by clicking on the link below:
Consultation document on potential for Extending Natural Gas Network in NI.
This Consultation has been informed by a 2010 feasibility study “Potential Extension of Natural Gas and Related Services in Northern Ireland” which was jointly commissioned by the Department and the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation. To view the executive summary of the study Click Executive Summary of the Natural Gas Feasibility Study
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DETI amendment to the 2011 Energy Bill – Impact Assessment on Primary Powers
DETI Energy Division has been working with the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) in Great Britain to secure an amendment to the 2011 Energy Bill in relation to renewable heat. This amendment, if successful, will provide DETI with powers similar to those contained in the 2008 Energy Act (Section 100) which underpins the introduction of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) in Great Britain. Links to the aforementioned pieces of legislation are provided below.
Section 100 of the Energy Act 2008
In order for this amendment to be tabled DETI has carried out a high-level impact assessment on the potential introduction of a Northern Ireland RHI. DETI expect to launch a public consultation on the introduction of incentive measures for renewable heat in the Summer.
Northern Ireland RHI Impact Assesment
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Common Arrangements for Gas Consultation Document 2011
Common Arrangements for Gas Consultation-Responses
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Decision paper on the legislative proposals to implement the Third EU Energy Package in Northern Ireland
Third EU Energy Package Decision Paper
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Renewable heat study
Executive summary-renewable heat study
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Renewables Obligation (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011
In exercise of the powers conferred on it by Articles 52 to 52F and Article 66(3) of the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, the Department has made a Statutory Rule entitled The Renewables Obligation (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011.
The Renewables Obligation Amendment Order Northern Ireland 2011
The Statutory Rule, which came into effect on 1 April 2011, amends The Renewables Obligation Order (Northern Ireland) 2009 and implements a number of further changes to the NIRO from 1 April 2011.
The latest changes to the NIRO include increasing the support currently offered for electricity generated from anaerobic digestion, introducing higher ROC levels for generators adding additional generating capacity, the introduction of a regulatory requirement for wind and photovoltaic microgenerators to use Microgeneration Certification Scheme approved technology and installers and also the introduction of mandatory sustainablility criteria for Biomass and Bioliquids sustainability reporting to meet the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
The NIRO operates alongside similar Obligations in Great Britain and the Statutory Rule reflects a number of changes also being made to the corresponding legislation in Great Britain.
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Draft Offshore Renewable Energy Strategic Action Plan 2009-2020 and Strategic Environmental Assessment
DETI has published (14 December 2009) for consultation until 8 March 2010 a draft Offshore Renewable Energy Strategic Action Plan. The draft plan along with associated strategic environmental assessment is available on a dedicated website Offshore Energy Responses can be made to this website or to
Sandra McMillan,Sustainable Energy,Department of Enterprise,Trade & Investment,Netherleigh,Massey Avenue,Belfast,BT4 2JP
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Reconnect
The Reconnect household renewable energy programme was funded under the Environment and Renewable Energy Fund, a direct rule initiative, which closed to applications on 31 March 2008
The total budget provision available for Reconnect was originally £8 million which was later increased to £10.8 million. The total number of installations supported under the scheme was 4,168 with solar hot water and wood fuelled boilers being the most popular technologies
The Department has carried out an evaluation of Reconnect against all its objectives and this will have to be fully considered before making any decisions on possible future schemes and will need to take into account wider UK wide support available, proposed actions to meet EU Directives, changing market conditions, value for money and the effect on competitiveness.
