Can I apply for the RHI?

The RHI scheme is for heating systems for single homes. The starting point is that your renewable heating system is in a property that is capable of getting a domestic Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The EPC is the proof needed that your property is assessed as a domestic ‘dwelling’. Without one, you can’t apply and won’t be able to join the scheme.

Depending on meeting the eligibility criteria, anyone can apply. That includes people who own the homes they live in, people who don’t own the property by do own the renewable heating system, private and registered social landlords and self-builders.

Before applying for the RHI, you must first have a Green Deal Assessment carried out for your property.  If you've already had one done, you don’t need another so long as you can supply the Green Deal Advice Report number.  

If your Green Deal Advice Report recommended installing loft or cavity wall insulation, you will need to make sure this has been done.  Remember to get the updated EPC (energy performance certificate) once the insulation has been done.

Properties who cannot have this insulation installed will have to provide supplementary evidence as part of your application.  Please see the advice from Ofgem regarding insulation exemptions.

If you intend to apply:

• You must be the owner of an eligible heating system

• You must own or occupy the property the renewable heating system will be in

• Your renewable heating system must be certified under Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)

• No part of the heating system used to produce heat may have been used before the first commissioning date (when your installer tested and signed off your system).  The date’s on the MCS certificate.  Some parts of the system are exempt from this requirement. See the information from Ofgem regarding relevant parts

• The heating system must have a commissioning date on or after 15 July 2009 (when the scheme was first announced

• You must apply within 12 months of the commissioning date of the heating system, shown on the MCS certificate.  

• If you received the Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP),  Ofgem have staggered application dates because of the potentially large numbers.  That way they can handle your application efficiently and make sure you get the best level of service

• If you received a public grant including the RHPP, towards the costs of your heating system, Ofgem will deduct the amount from your Domestic RHI payments over the course of the seven years’ payment lifetime.  They won’t deduct any loan which you have to pay back.  To be eligible, you or a former owner must also have made a personal financial contribution to the purchase or installation costs.

The list above is only an overview.  For more details see Ofgem’s Essential Guide for Applicants.