Renewables Obligation (RO)
The Renewables Obligation (RO) scheme is closed to all new generating capacity.
Following the scheme closure, operators who wish to make changes to their generating station while remaining accredited on the RO should ensure that any changes made will not affect the station’s eligibility ie, making sure their generating station will continue to meet the requirements of the legislation. More details on this can found in Chapter 2 of the guidance for generators.
Audit
Stations which are accredited under the RO scheme are routinely subjected to audit and compliance checks to make sure generators are complying with the scheme rules.
Data Submissions
Stations which are accredited under the RO scheme are required to submit information on the amount of electricity they generated. Generators have two months after the period of generation to submit their data to us. More information on this can be found in Chapter 4 of our guidance for generators.
The legislation places additional requirements on fuelled stations. Operators of fuelled stations should visit the fuelled station page to learn more on how the sustainability of fuels can impact eligibility for support and how fuel volume and calorific content must be accounted for.
ROCs are issued based on the net renewable electricity that is generated and reported on the register. Certificates can then be sold directly or indirectly to suppliers who will then redeem them against their Renewables Obligation.
Each year, Ofgem publish a ROC issue schedule that lists the deadlines for data submission for the purpose of issuing ROCs, and the dates by which Ofgem intends to issue ROCs. To view the current schedule click on the following link Renewables Obligation Certificate (ROC) Issue Schedule 2022/2023 | Ofgem and Renewables Obligation Certificate (ROC) Issue Schedule 2023/2024 | Ofgem.
Microgenerators
Under the RO scheme, generating stations with a capacity of 50kW or less are termed ‘microgenerators’. Microgenerators can submit data either monthly or annually and appoint an agent to act on their behalf. For further details, please visit the page on MicroNIRO accreditation.
Any microgenerator can appoint an agent to act on their behalf; however, this not compulsory and the choice of the owner of the generating station. A generator can manage their accreditation for the scheme as an individual or by using a third party. Third parties are not considered to be agents unless they are appointed under the provisions set out in the scheme legislation.
Once you have approached an agent you need to fill in and sign the agent appointment form for the agent to act on your behalf. Once this has been submitted to us by your chosen agent, and we are happy that the form is filled out correctly, we will communicate with your appointed agent. Your appointed agent can find out more on the web page for Agents.