The Renewable Heat Premium Payment
Ice Energy have been lobbying Government for a number of years in order to gain additional support for renewable energy products such as Ground Source Heat Pumps and Air Source Heat Pumps because of the value we believe these products offer consumers as well as the environment. In March 2011, the announcement was made that a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) would be introduced and would provide exactly the kind of support for renewable energy we had fought so hard for.
As a result of delays in the launch of the domestic RHI, the Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme has been introduced to provide support for people implementing renewable energy technologies in their homes.
What is the Renewable Heat Premium Payment?
The Renewable Heat Premium Payment was launched in August 2011 and is a precursor to the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for domestic customers. It takes the form of a voucher towards the cost of adopting renewable energy technologies such as Ground Source Heat Pumps and Air Source Heat Pumps. Renewable Heat Premium Payments can also be claimed for installation of Solar Thermal Hot Water systems and Biomass Boilers.
The Renewable Heat Premium Payment is backed by the Government and is available for installations carried out between 21st July 2011 and March 31st 2013.
What level of Renewable Heat Premium Payment can I receive?
The amount which you can claim in respect of the Renewable Heat Premium Payment depends entirely on the renewable energy system which you have installed, as demonstrated by the table below:
What eligibility criteria applies to the Renewable Heat Premium Payment?
In order to apply for a Renewable Heat Premium Payment, you must reside in England Scotland or Wales and be off the main gas grid.
Property ownership
You must also be the owner of the property in which the renewable energy system is being installed. If you are in rented accommodation then you must be purchasing the system yourself and with the appropriate permission of your landlord to benefit from the Renewable Heat Premium Payment.
Insulation
Your home must also be properly insulated in order to benefit from Renewable Heat Premium Payments. This means loft insulation of up to 250mm must be installed as well as cavity wall insulation where practicable.
Planning
For some products covered under the Renewable Heat Premium Payment it may be necessary to check with your local planning department to confirm they do not breach any planning rules before you proceed with installation.
Certification
To qualify for the Renewable Heat Premium Payment, both the product and the installer must be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MSC).
Feedback
One of the key elements of the Renewable Heat Premium Payment will be the information which can be provided to the Government in respect of the renewable energy technologies being installed. This is because the information received will be used for reference in connection with the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) due for launch in Summer 2013.
It is therefore a requirement for you to provide performance information about the system you have installed.
How do I apply for the Renewable Heat Premium Payment?
Renewable Heat Premium Payment applications can be made via the Energy Saving Trust. As long as you meet all the conditions of the scheme, you will receive the voucher applicable to the system you have installed which you will be asked to sign.
The voucher should then be returned with the relevant MCS certificate and invoice which your installer will provide and once all the relevant checks have been completed, you will receive your Renewable Heat Premium Payment to your bank account.
How long do I have to apply for the Renewable Heat Premium Payment?
In order to receive Renewable Heat Premium Payments, your system must have been installed and all relevant documentation submitted by March 31st 2013.