Everyone involved with the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will have come across talk of needing an ‘amendment’ at some point but what does that really mean?
What is an RHI amendment?
An RHI amendment is the process required to update your RHI application and the associated documents held by Ofgem, following any changes that are made to the system or the application. Changes which require an amendment to be made, include but are not confined to:
- Addition or removal of a heat use
- Replacement, addition or removal of a meter
- Changes in external or underground pipework
- Change of fuel to one not listed on the application
- Addition or removal of other generating equipment
Why do I need to tell Ofgem?
Ofgem is required by The Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy to ensure that RHI support is being spent correctly. The amendments process allows Ofgem to check that following any alterations RHI installations remain eligible to receive support, the process also ensures that payment formulas remain correct when meters are replaced or changed, or heat loss deductions increase or decrease.
When should I tell Ofgem of my amendment?
As part of the ongoing obligations, RHI participants must notify Ofgem within 28 days of a change to their system. Once Ofgem has received the notification the participant can submit changes to their application once the relevant evidence and documents have been compiled. Whilst an amendment is in progress RHI payments for that installation are put on hold by Ofgem, following the re-approval of the application any backlog in payments can be reclaimed.
How do I submit an amendment?
If you have already made or are currently planning changes to your RHI system, then get in touch with NFU Energy to discuss the best way forward and how we can manage the process for you. Ofgem’s guidance for making changes to non-domestic RHI systems is available here.