Feed-in Tariff scheme review - IMPORTANT SOLAR PV INFORMATION
On Monday 31 October 2011 the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) announced the ‘Comprehensive Review Phase 1: Consultation on Feed-in Tariffs for Solar PV’ - link opens in a new browser window.
The consultation proposes a number of amendments that will affect solar PV installations:
• Reduced tariffs for all PV with a Total Installed Capacity (TIC) of 250kW or less
• The introduction of new ‘multi-installation’ tariffs for aggregated solar PV schemes
• The introduction of new energy efficiency requirements
The new tariffs are planned to be introduced from 1 April 2012 and will affect all solar PV installations with an eligibility date on or after 12 December 2011. Further information on ‘eligibility date’ is available from the ‘Applying for the Feed-in Tariff’ section.
Any questions or concerns about the proposals in the consultation should be sent to DECC at the contact details provided in the consultation. The consultation closes on 23 December 2011.
The Energy Saving Trust and the Carbon Trust are able to provide public information on the scheme and advice on how to apply.
The Energy Saving Trust can be contacted at 0800 512 012 or by going to the Energy Saving Trust website - link opens in a new browser window.
For businesses wishing to participate in the scheme the Carbon Trust can be contacted at 0800 085 2005 or by going to the Carbon Trust website – link opens in a new browser window.
For all queries regarding your MCS Installer (or the MCS database), you will need to contact the Microgeneration Certification Scheme - link opens in a new browser window, who are completely independent from Ofgem.
Potential applicants are advised to review REAL Assurance's consumer guide for applications under the Feed-in Tariff on the REAL Assurance Website - Link opens in a new browser window.
Changes to the FIT extension rules
On 18 October 2011, DECC enacted The Feed-in Tariffs (Specified Maximum Capacity and Functions) (Amendment No.3) Order 2011- link opens in a new browser window. This amendment makes changes to the FIT extension rules.
FIT Fast-Track Review - changes to PV and AD tariffs
Following the outcome of the FIT fast-track review, tariff rates for all PV with a total installed capacity greater than 50 kW, all standalone PV and AD up to a capacity of 500kW have been amended. The changes are set out in Annex 2 of the FITs Licence modifications - PDF, 1.01Mb - link opens in a new browser window and the tariff rate table available below.
The revised tariff rates for PV are effective from 1 August 2011. The revised tariff rates for AD are effective from 30 September 2011.
Background to the FIT scheme
Read our factsheet for a simple guide to the FIT scheme.
A detailed report of accredited Feed-in Tariff installations is available below. This report will be updated on a quarterly basis.
The Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme is available through licensed electricity suppliers. It requires some of them to make tariff payments on both generation and export of renewable and low carbon electricity. Both generation and export tariff rates are index-linked which means that they will increase or decrease with inflation. The tariff rates are adjusted annually by the percentage increase or decrease in the Retail Price Index over the 12 month period ending on 31 December of the previous year.
The FIT scheme policy is set by the Government. Information on the Government’s policy behind the FIT Scheme is available on the Department and Energy and Climate Change (DECC) website - link opens in a new browser window. If you have any comments on the Government proposals or policy, please contact the Department of Energy and Climate Change at enquiries@decc.gsi.gov.uk or by telephone on 0300 060 4000. For any queries relating to VAT with relation to the FIT scheme, please contact HM Revenue & Customs - link opens in a new browser window.
The scheme itself is administered by Licensed Electricity Suppliers and Ofgem. The Energy Saving Trust and the Carbon Trust have been nominated by the Government to provide public information on the scheme and advice on how to apply.
The Energy Saving Trust can be contacted at 0800 512 012 or by going to the Energy Saving Trust website - link opens in a new browser window.
For businesses wishing to participate in the scheme the Carbon Trust can be contacted at 0800 085 2005 or by going to the Carbon Trust website – link opens in a new browser window.
The role of Licensed Electricity Suppliers
Licensed Electricity Suppliers with more than 50,000 domestic customers are mandated to join the FIT scheme (Mandatory FIT Licensees). Other licensed electricity suppliers can elect to join the scheme and become Voluntary FIT Licensees. They are collectively known as FIT Licensees. Licensed Electricity Suppliers cannot offer FIT Services unless they are confirmed to be a FIT Licensee, however they are obligated to participate in the levelisation process.
Generators wishing to receive FIT are advised to contact their supplier in the first instance. A list of FIT Licensees is available.
FIT Licensees play the main customer-facing role for this scheme and they are required to take generators through the registration process, take regular meter readings and make tariff payments.
The role of Ofgem under FITs
Ofgem’s key role is to maintain the Central FIT Register, which is a database of accredited installations. In addition, Ofgem administers the levelisation process and accredits small scale generators (installations with a capacity greater than 50kW) or micro and small scale anaerobic digestion and hydro installations. Ofgem is also responsible for ensuring suppliers comply with the FIT scheme requirements.
Disputes
Ofgem does not have a direct role in dealing with general complaints against a FIT Licensee.
Complaints against a FIT Licensee should be directed towards the FIT Licensee in the first instance. All FIT Licensees have a duty to participate in the complaints process in relation to compliance with their obligation under the FIT scheme. If after 12 weeks a satisfactory solution has not been agreed between both parties, the complaint may then be referred to the Energy Ombudsman at 0845 055 0760 or by going to the Energy Ombudsman website - link opens in a new browser window.
More information on complaint procedures and processes under the scheme is available from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) website - link opens in a new browser window.
The Feed-in Tariff Scheme is carefully monitored by Ofgem to prevent abuse. If you believe that someone is abusing the scheme, then please contact us with details. Anything you tell us will be used confidentially, email fitregister@ofgem.gov.uk or telephone 0207 901 1829.
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