Suspension of Northern Ireland RHI

Guidance
Publication date
Scheme name
Northern Ireland NDRHI

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) has suspended the Northern Ireland RHI scheme to new applicants from 29 February 2016.

From 9 May 2016, the new Department for the Economy (DfE) assumed the roles and responsibility of DETI including policy responsibility for the Northern Ireland Non-Domestic RHI. We continue to administer the Non-Domestic RHI scheme on DfE's behalf. This suspension only applies to the Northern Ireland RHI scheme. The Great Britain RHI scheme is unaffected.  

Frequently asked questions

When will you stop accepting applications?

DETI has suspended the Northern Ireland RHI Scheme with effect from 23:59 on 29 February 2016.

What if I am unable to apply in time?

Ofgem E-Serve administers the scheme in line with the regulations, this means that we will not be able to accept any applications after 23:59 on the 29 February 2016.

Does that mean support for those already on the scheme will stop?

Existing installations will continue to receive support. Once you have received accreditation under the Northern Ireland RHI you are entitled to support for 20 years, providing you continue to comply with the conditions of your accreditation and your ongoing obligations. However, applications for additional capacity will not be accepted after 23:59 on the 29 February 2016. 

I have received a preliminary accreditation – can I still apply for full accreditation?

If you received a preliminary accreditation prior to the scheme’s suspension to new applications, you can still apply for full accreditation. No new applications for preliminary accreditation will be accepted after 23:59 on 29 February 2016.

My installation is not yet complete, can I apply for preliminary accreditation?

If your installation has not yet been commissioned you can make a preliminary application before 23:59 on 29 February 2016, unless the installation is:

  • Solid biomass and solid biomass contained in municipal waste below 200kWth
  • Ground and water source heat pumps
  • Solar thermal

Can I add additional capacity?

No applications for additional capacity will be accepted after 23:59 on the 29 February 2016. Your existing accredited installation will remain eligible for RHI payments if you remain compliant with your ongoing obligations.