Partner organisation MCS presents its regular column for REI
Opinion
Launch party
Following the launch of the Domestic RHI, MCS
looks forward to supporting all concerned in
making the most of this great opportunity and
world’s first incentive scheme connected to the
generation of renewable heat at the domestic
property
Registration of Domestic RHI (DRHI) installations is done through the Ofgem website
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/domestic-rhi.
Gideon Richards, chair of the steering group and Interim ceo of MCS, said: “It
is really positive to see the final implementation of the Domestic RHI. Having been
discussing and working closely with DECC, Ofgem and other stakeholders for a long
time, MCS’s considerable contribution to enabling the Domestic RHI to be delivered
is a credit to all those that have worked tirelessly within the scheme and its voluntary
Working Groups to ensure MCS supports the domestic RHI’s smooth uptake.”
He added: “Recent introduction to the scheme of compliance certificates, updated
standards, clarification of competency criteria and amending the MCS database, have all
supported MCS readying itself for the Domestic RHI. We now look forward to seeing a
sustained and credible growth in all areas of the microgeneration heat sector.”
MCS would like to take this opportunity to remind all installer companies they will
need to do the following for domestic RHI installations:
• Ensure the installation complies with the MCS Domestic RHI Metering Guidance;
• Ensure the product being installed is eligible for the Domestic RHI by checking
the Product Eligibility List (PEL) available on the Ofgem website (https://www.
ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/domestic-renewable-heat-
incentive-product-eligibility-list);
• Complete a copy of the MCS Compliance Certificate, if the installation was
completed on or after the 16 March 2014; and
• Register the installation on the MCS Installation Database (MID) and upload a copy
of the MCS Compliance Certificate to the MID.
Domestic RHI pre-application enquiries from customers can be directed to the Energy
Saving Advice Service (in England and Wales) on 0300 123 1234 or Home Energy Scotland
(in Scotland) 0808 808 2282.
Customers wishing to apply for the incentive can apply on the OFGEM website:
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/domestic-rhi
The OFGEM website contains a range of useful support materials including
guidance for installer companies https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-
programmes/domestic-renewable-heat-incentive
12 | www.renewableenergyinstaller.co.uk
As we celebrate the launch of the
domestic RHI, I am always reminded
that incentive programmes can be really
instrumental in providing market stimulus,
but that only the most short-sighted would
become dependent on them.
However, the only certainty of
government-backed schemes is that they
will change or end with time and transfers
in responsibility. Those who have been in
the industry a while can recall a legion of
different initiatives which have blossomed
quickly and withered with equal pace.
Boom and bust is no use to business,
we need certainty and the confidence to
invest with a long term view of returns
from which we will recover our costs.
This sounds as if I am not confident
about the RHI, which couldn’t be further
from the truth. I believe that the scheme
is well designed, the application process
seems to be simple and quick and the
incentives seem fair without being over-
generous.
But I am equally sure that the
market must mature quickly and prove
that renewable heat makes perfect
sense in the long term with or without
financial assistance. However, those of us
spending our hard-earned cash need to be
convinced that we are not financially at a
disadvantage by choosing the renewable
option.
Renewable heat systems deserve a
‘leg-up’ to establish the market to help
the early adopters to enjoy their benefits,
particularly those who do not have access
to gas. Long may it, and you, prosper.