We only collect and process information that we need in order to carry out our functions in relation to the NI RHI. The purposes of processing personal data include monitoring, reviewing, and improving Ofgem’s performance of its legal functions related to scheme administration. Our primary function is to administer the NI RHI which includes, but is not limited to, the functions below:
In relation to the NI RHI, we collect and process your information (including disclosing it to the Department for the Economy (“DfE”), our agents, representatives or successors, or to other public bodies or third parties) in order to, amongst other things:
- Effectively administer the NI RHI
- Verify the eligibility of installations applying for accreditation or registration under the NI RHI
- Verify the volumes of renewable energy generated by any accredited installation
- Assign the correct tariff rate applicable to the installation for which support is claimed
- Ensure any NI RHI support payments are timely and accurate
- Monitor compliance with the scheme regulations
- Enable Ofgem and / or DfE to carry out site inspections and audits for the purposes of the NI RHI
- Assist us in the identification of fraud, misuse and misreporting
- Carry out compliance investigations
- Enable Ofgem and / or DfE to inform you about, or provide literature about, our services, renewable heat and / or the NI RHI
- Carry out statistical analysis or research and development in relation to the NI RHI scheme
- Assist in enforcement and / or debt recovery where non-compliance, and / or overpayment has occurred
In some cases, we use data analytics software to:
- Validate claims made in respect of renewable heat generated
- Improve the services we provide
- Monitor compliance with the NI RHI requirements
- Identify suspected fraud trends
Your information will not be used for profiling (i.e. computerised processing of personal data to evaluate certain things about an individual such as for direct marketing) or to make automatic decisions relating to your application for accreditation or registration on the NI RHI.
In order to inform future policy development of our Environmental and Social Schemes, which include the NI RHI, your data may be shared internally within Ofgem. Your information will be used to review and improve our scheme administration.