Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) – Scheme Closure
‘The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Closure) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026’ have been approved by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
This page explains:
- What is happening with RHI Closure
- Whether you are eligible to participate in the RHI closure phase
- How and when eligible participants will be contacted by the Department
- The steps required to convert an installation to a closure accreditation
- How to access the DfE RHI Register
- Where to find guidance, support and further information about the closure process
Overview
The Northern Ireland Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (NI NDRHI) Scheme has now entered its closure phase. The Department for the Economy is responsible for administering the annual closure payments and supporting eligible participants through the transition process.
Eligible participants for the closure phase will be contacted individually when it is time for their installation to transition to a closure accreditation. You do not need to take any action until you have been contacted by the Department.
This page explains:
- What the closure phase means for participants
- What actions participants may need to take
- How to access the DfE RHI Register
Who this information applies to
- Owners of accredited RHI installations under the NI NDRHI Scheme.
- Nominated and verified Authorised Signatories acting on behalf of an owner of an accredited installation.
Only installations that:
- were accredited under the original NI NDRHI Scheme; and
- remained eligible to receive payments under the original NI NDRHI Scheme
can convert to a closure accreditation. A closure accreditation allows an eligible installation to continue receiving annual support payments during the closure phase of the Scheme.
Installations that have been revoked or withdrawn from the original Scheme are not eligible to participate in the closure phase.
Further information is available in the Frequently Asked Questions section of this page.
Payment Continues Without Interruption
If you are currently accredited to the Non-Domestic RHI Scheme, there will be no gap in the period covered by your payments when your accreditation is converted to a closure accreditation.
The last day covered by your final quarterly payment from Ofgem will be immediately followed by the first day covered by your annual closure payment. This ensures continuous payment coverage while payments transition from quarterly to annual payments.
For example, if your final quarterly payment covered the period up to 21 July 2026, your first annual closure payment will cover the period starting on 22 July 2026 and will continue uninterrupted to the day before the anniversary of accreditation to the RHI Scheme.
Converting to a Closure Accreditation
Eligible participants will be contacted by the Department on, or around, the anniversary date of their original accreditation.
If the anniversary date of the accreditation date has passed and you are the owner of an installation and have not been contacted, please contact the RHI Team.
Email: RHImanagement@economy-ni.gov.uk
Telephone: 028 9025 7571.
What you need to do - the Conversion Process
Step 1: We Will Contact You
The Department will contact eligible participants on, or around, the anniversary of their accreditation.
Depending on your role, you will receive different instructions:
If you are the installation owner
- You will be asked to nominate an Authorised Signatory.
- You will be provided with a link to GOV.UK Forms to provide the required information.
If you have been nominated as the Authorised Signatory
- You will be provided with instructions on how to provide the required information.
- You will be provided with a link to access GOV.UK Forms to provide the required information.
Step 2: Submit the Required Information
The person submitting the required information must:
- Access GOV.UK Forms using the link provided in the letter they have received.
- Complete all requested information.
- Upload any required supporting documentation.
Step 3: Assessment by the Department
The Department will review the information submitted.
If the installation is eligible to convert to a closure accreditation, the owner will receive:
- Confirmation that the conversion has been approved.
Step 4: Access the DfE RHI Register
Once the installation has successfully converted to a closure accreditation, the Authorised Signatory will be contacted to access the Register using a link provided.
Future access will be available from the RHI webpage.
Access to the DfE RHI Register
Access to an installation is only possible when:
- The Authorised Signatory has been advised by the Department that the installation has successfully converted to a closure accreditation.
Important information
- The DfE RHI Register is not open for public registration.
- Only eligible installations can convert to a closure accreditation.
- The Department will contact eligible participants directly.
- The process of conversion to a closure accredited installation cannot begin until the owner has received the necessary information from the Department.
- The Authorised Signatory will not be able to access the DfE RHI Register until the conversion has been approved.
Guidance for participants
Further information is available to help you complete the process:
- RHI Closure Guidance for Participants
- User guide for participants for the Letter of Authorisation (LOA) process
- User guide for completing the Annual Declaration
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions are addressed under the following headings.
What's happening?
Why is the Department for the Economy dealing with RHI instead of Ofgem?
The RHI Scheme which was administered by Ofgem has ended and been replaced by the RHI Closure Scheme, administered by the Department for the Economy. The Closure Scheme provides payments for the remainder of the 20-year period that participants would have received support under the original RHI Scheme, had it continued. Payments are calculated differently and are paid annually instead of quarterly.
Will I be able to check my details before payments start?
Yes. When you are invited to register on the Department’s new DfE RHI Register, you will have an opportunity to review your details and notify the Department if anything is incorrect.
Will Ofgem be responsible for anything after the Closure Scheme goes live?
Ofgem’s role
Between 1 September 2026 and 30 November 2026, Ofgem will undertake limited residual activity only. This is to complete payments and related processes for quarterly meter reading periods ending on or before 31 August 2026.
Ofgem will not process new activity relating to periods after 31 August 2026.
Ofgem will cease remaining NI NDRHI administration activity by 30 November 2026.
Questions about scheme closure, policy or activity after 31 August 2026 should be directed to DfE at RHImanagement@economy-ni.gov.uk
What happens next
When will the new system go live?
The new Department for the Economy Closure system is expected to go live in September 2026.
What will happen when the system goes live?
You will be invited to register on the new DfE RHI Register, given the opportunity to review and confirm your details and to provide some additional information.
The timing of this registration is aligned with the anniversary of the accreditation of the installation onto the original RHI Scheme. For example, if the anniversary of your accreditation is 15 March, you will be contacted on or around 15 March 2027 to register for the new Scheme.
After successful registration, the Authorised Signatory will be asked to complete an annual declaration confirming adherence to the ongoing obligations of the Scheme. If eligibility is confirmed, your payment will be backdated to the end of your final quarterly payment period. For example, if you received a final payment for a quarter that ended on 21 July 2026, the first payment under the closure arrangements will be calculated from 22 July 2026 to the day before the anniversary of accreditation to the RHI Scheme.
Using the dates in these examples, your first payment would cover the period 22 July 2026 to 14 March 2027.
Will I be contacted directly?
Yes. You will receive communications from the Department explaining what you need to do and when you need to do it.
Authorised signatory
Why am I being asked to nominate a new Authorised Signatory?
The Department for the Economy is introducing new administrative arrangements under the Renewable Heat Incentive Closure Scheme. As the Scheme is operating under new legislation and processes, all participants are required to nominate an Authorised Signatory for the new Scheme, regardless of any previous arrangements with Ofgem.
I want to keep the same Authorised Signatory. Do I need to go through this process?
Yes. Even if you do not intend to change your Authorised Signatory, your authorised signatory must be verified through the Northern Ireland Identity Assurance (NIDA) service. To use the DfE RHI Register, the Authorised Signatory will need their identity verified.
What is the letter of authorisation process?
The letter of authorisation (LOA) process is in 2 parts.
LOA1 – A letter is sent to the owner of the installation to initiate the registration process, asking them to nominate an Authorised Signatory and to provide contact details for them.
LOA2 – The nominated Authorised Signatory is contacted by the Department to provide further information for verification purposes.
When the Authorised Signatory has been verified and the Department is satisfied that the installation is eligible to convert to a closure accreditation, a ‘Statement of Eligibility’ will be issued confirming that the installation has converted to a closure accredited installation on the RHI Closure Scheme. The Authorised Signatory will then have access to the DfE RHI Register to complete the annual declaration.
I am the authorised signatory for multiple installations – can I go through the letter of authorisation process once?
As each installation is unique, you must register as the authorised signatory for each installation separately.
I am the authorised signatory for my own installation - do I have to go through this process?
Yes – to be an authorised signatory you must go through the full letter of authorisation process.
Can there be more than one authorised signatory for the installation?
No – there can only be one authorised signatory for the installation. However, the owner or authorised signatory can nominate other individuals who the Department can speak with regarding the installation. However, only the authorised signatory can submit the annual declaration and advise the Department of changes in circumstances.
What if my authorised signatory is unavailable to submit an annual declaration?
It is the responsibility of the owner of the installation to make sure that the authorised signatory can perform all actions required within the specified deadlines.
However, if there is an unexpected absence of the Authorised Signatory, contact the RHI Management team at RHIManagement@economy-ni.gov.uk and we will be happy to assist you. Do not wait to let the team know if you are aware that a deadline for information may not be met. All non-responses to information will be referred to the Compliance team and a sanction may be applied. If in doubt about what to do, contact the RHI management team.
What happens up to 30 November 2026
When will I receive my last quarterly payment from Ofgem?
Ofgem will administer final quarterly payments for the period 1 June 2026 to 31 August 2026. Ofgem will then use the remaining time up to 30 November 2026 to complete outstanding administration.
What do I need to do now to register for the annual closure payment?
The Department will contact you on or around the anniversary of your accreditation date. Until then, you do not need to do anything.
If the anniversary of your accreditation has passed and you have not been contacted by the Department, please contact RHIManagement@economy-ni.gov.uk
Can I claim closure payments if my meter readings to Ofgem are not up to date?
Yes. You do not have to be up to date with all your meter readings to claim closure payments. However, if you have failed to provide outstanding meter readings to Ofgem, you cannot claim payments based on these meter readings later.
The DfE RHI Register
Can I access the DfE RHI Register from a phone or tablet?
Yes, the portal is fully accessible via mobile devices.
Can I do this by post?
The administration of quarterly payments undertaken by Ofgem was done via Ofgem’s Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Register. The Department will continue with online administration. Annual Closure Payments will be administered via the DfE RHI Register.
Is there a step-by-step guide I can follow?
Yes, there is guidance on how the Scheme will operate and how to use the new DfE RHI Register.
How the new RHI Closure Scheme will work
Do I need to apply to the RHI Closure Scheme, or will I be moved automatically?
You will not automatically convert to the RHI Closure Scheme. The owner of the installation will be sent a letter by post on or around the anniversary of the installation’s accreditation date. This letter will set out instructions on how the RHI accreditation will convert to a closure accreditation and how to register on the RHI Closure Scheme.
How do I know how much heat I have used if I can’t submit a meter reading?
Heat use is assessed by comparing the installation's operation during the claim period against its average annual heat use during the eight quarters from April 2017 to March 2019, which is treated as the normal level of use.
You should consider any time within the claim period when the installation was not operating, or was operating at a reduced level, in the period for which a claim is being made and compare this to the level of use during the 2017-19 reference period. If any time of non-operation or reduced operation in the claim period mean that usage has fallen significantly, compared to the 2017-19 period, this may affect the payment band that applies.
There are four usage bands. If the installation has operated at more than two-thirds of its normal 2017-19 level, the full payment amount may be payable, subject to meeting all eligibility requirements. Where usage has fallen below this level, a reduced usage band may apply. If the installation has operated at less than two thirds but more than one third of its normal 2017-19 use, this will reduce the payment amount. Further reductions apply where usage is below one third but more than 5% of normal use. The lowest band applies where usage is 5% or less of the normal 2017-19 level. If the installation was not used to generate heat in the claim period, then no payment is applicable for the period.
Any reduction in operation or heat use should therefore be assessed by comparing it with the installation's normal usage during the April 2017 to March 2019 reference period.
Further information is available in the section ‘Understanding the Annual Closure Payment.’
Will I still receive payments for the full remaining years I was originally entitled to?
Annual Closure Payments will continue for the full remaining duration of the entitlement period, provided ongoing Scheme obligations are met.
Who will be responsible for administering my annual closure payments – Ofgem or the Department for the Economy?
The Department for the Economy will be responsible for all administration of the RHI Closure Scheme. All correspondence and queries relating to the Scheme will be with the Department.
When exactly does my conversion to the RHI Closure Scheme take effect?
This will happen once the letter of authorisation process has been completed. The Department will inform you that your accreditation has been converted. This process will be initiated on or around the anniversary of your accreditation date.
Will I get a chance to check or correct my data before payments under the new Scheme start?
The owner will have an opportunity to validate or correct the information the Department holds when they receive the letter of authorisation. If the details are incorrect, the letter of authorisation will inform them how to let the Department know.
Do I still need to submit annual declarations?
Yes, an annual declaration must be submitted each year before a decision can be made on eligibility to receive payment. This will be done online via the DfE RHI Register. You will be contacted when your annual declaration is due for completion.
What information do I need to keep and for how long?
As a minimum, you must keep records of the type, amount and source of fuel purchased and evidence of servicing and maintenance documents for a period of 7 years. You must also provide to the Department, if requested, any of the information set out in Schedule 2 of the Regulations.
How often will I be paid under the RHI Closure Scheme?
All payments though the RHI Closure Scheme will be made annually on completion of an annual declaration submitted by the Authorised Signatory on the DfE RHI Register, and on successful completion of eligibility checks by the Department.
Understanding the annual closure payment
How is the annual closure payment calculated?
The following steps explain how the payment is calculated.
Some terms you will need to know
| Reference Period | This refers to the period of eight quarters with quarter end dates that fell between 1st April 2017 to 31st March 2019. |
|---|---|
| Load Factor (LF) | The load factor is the amount the installation was used during the 2017–2019 reference period compared with the maximum it could have been used if it had operated at full capacity in the period. The estimated load factor for the annual closure payment is calculated for each of the eight quarters of the reference period and then averaged. |
| Tariff | The tariff for your installation in pence per kWh on the date the payment accrues. |
| Tier 1 | The tier 1 tariff for that installation in pence per kWh on the date the payment accrues. |
| Tier 2 | The tier 2 tariff for that installation in pence per kWh on the date the payment accrues. |
Step 1 - Calculate the Estimated Load Factor
The load factor, expressed as a percentage, is a measure of the heat output of an installation during the 2017–2019 reference period compared with the maximum potential heat output for the installation during the same period.
For example, if you ran your installation every hour of every day for a year, the load factor would be 100%.
A 100 kW boiler could produce up to 100 kW of heat every hour.
If it produced an average of 50 kW per hour over the year, the load factor would be 50%.
This means the boiler was used at about half of its potential capacity.
The load factor for the annual closure payment is calculated for each of the eight quarters in the reference period and then averaged. The resulting figure is called the estimated load factor and is used for future closure payment calculations.
Example:
If a quarter has 92 days and the installation has a capacity of 99 kWh, then the maximum potential heat output is calculated as follows:
number of days in quarter x 24 hours per day x installation capacity
= 92 days x 24 hours x 99 kWh
= 218,592 kWhth
If the installation has an actual recorded eligible heat output (EHO) for that quarter of 80,000 kWhth, then the load factor for that quarter is calculated as follows:
Actual EHO / Maximum Potential Heat Output
= (80,000 / 218,592) x 100
= 36.6%
The average of the eight quarterly load factors is calculated by adding the eight quarterly load factors together and dividing by eight. This is the estimated load factor attributed to that installation for ANNUAL CLOSURE PAYMENT calculations.
Step 2 - Apply the tariff
The annual heat output is multiplied by the tariff rate that applies to the installation. This produces the Annual Closure Payment.
Installations paid at a Single Tariff Rate
The type and capacity of installations paid at a single tariff rate are:
| Tariff name | Sources of energy of technology | Installation capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Large biomass | Solid biomass | 200kWth and above, up to but not including 1000kWth |
| Small heat pumps | Ground source heat pump, water source heat pump, deep geothermal | Less than 20kWth |
| Medium heat pumps | Ground source heat pump, water source heat pump, deep geothermal | 20kWth and above, up to but not including 100kWth |
| Large heat pumps | Ground source heat pump, water source heat pump, deep geothermal | 100kWth and above |
| All solar collectors | Solar collectors | Below 200kWth |
Example:
An installation has:
- a capacity of 400 kWth,
- its estimated load factor has been calculated as 30% and
the tariff rate applicable is 2.3p/kWh
The ANNUAL CLOSURE PAYMENT is calculated as:
| Installation Capacity (kWth) | 400 |
| x Load Factor | 30% |
| x Tariff (£0.000) | 0.023 |
| x 8,760 hours per year | 8,760 |
| = Annual Closure Payment | £24,177.60 |
Installations paid using Tiered Tariffs
The type and capacity of installations paid using tiered tariffs are:
| Tariff name | Sources of energy of technology | Installation capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Small biomass | Solid biomass | Less than 20kWth |
| Medium biomass (lower capacity) | Solid biomass | 20kWth and above, up to but not including 100kWth |
Medium biomass (upper capacity) | Solid biomass | 100kWth and above, up to but not including 200kWth |
Example 1 – load factor is more than 15%:
An installation has:
- a capacity of 99 kWth,
- its estimated load factor has been calculated as 40%
- the tier 1 tariff rate applicable is 6.3p/kWh
- the tier 2 tariff rate applicable is 1.8p/kWh
Installation Capacity | 99 |
Load Factor | 40% |
Hours per year | 8,760 |
Tier 1 | Tier 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 heat usage – up to 15% | 15% | 0 |
| Tier 2 heat usage Load factor minus 15% | 0 | 25% |
| Tariff | 0.063 | 0.018 |
| Annual Closure Payment | 8,195.42 | 3,902.58 |
Installation capacity x tier heat usage x tariff x hours per year = Annual Closure Payment
Tier 1: 99 x 15% x £0.063 x 8,760 = £8,195.42
Tier 2: 99 x 25% x 0.018 x 8,760 = £3,902.58
Total Annual Closure Payment £12,098 |
Example 2 – load factor is less than 15%:
An installation has:
- a capacity of 99 kWth,
- its estimated load factor has been calculated as 10% and
- the tier 1 tariff rate applicable is 6.3p/kWh
- the tier 2 tariff rate applicable is 1.8p/kWh
The ANNUAL CLOSURE PAYMENT is calculated as:
Installation Capacity | 99 |
Load Factor | 10% |
Hours per year | 8,760 |
Tier 1 | Tier 2 | |
|---|---|---|
Up to 15% of Load Factor at Tier 1 | 10% | 0 |
Load Factor minus 15% at Tier 2 | 0 | 0 |
Tariff (£0.000) | 0.063 | 0.018 |
Annual Closure Payment | £5,463.61 | 0 |
Installation capacity x tier heat usage x tariff x hours per year = Annual Closure Payment
Tier 1: 99 x 10% x £0.063 x 8,760 = £5,463.61
Tier 2: 99 x 0% x £0.018 x 8,760 = £0
Total Annual Closure Payment £5,463.61 |
What tariffs are used in the Annual Declaration Payment?
The following table shows the tariffs for 2026/27.
| Tariff name | Eligible sizes | Tier | 2026/27 tariff rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small commercial biomass and municipal solid waste | less than 20 kWth | 1 | 14.30 |
2 | 5.00 | ||
| Lower medium commercial biomass and municipal solid waste | 20kWth and above and less than 100kWth | 1 | 6.30 |
2 | 1.80 | ||
| Higher medium commercial biomass and municipal solid waste | 100kWth and above and less than 200kWth | 1 | 4.30 |
2 | 1.60 | ||
| Large commercial biomass and municipal solid waste | 200kWth and above and less than 1MWth | N/A | 2.20 |
| Small commercial heat pumps and deep geothermal | < 20 kWth | N/A | 14.40 |
| Medium commercial heat pumps and deep geothermal | 20 < 100 kWth | N/A | 7.30 |
| Large commercial heat pumps and deep geothermal | > 100 kWth | N/A | 2.00 |
| All solar collectors | < 200 kWth | N/A | 14.50 |
Is there a cap on payments, and does it apply to my installation?
An annual usage cap of 400,000 kWhth will be applicable to medium biomass installations. Any annual deemed heat usage above 400,000 kWhth will attract no payment.
Example:
An installation has:
- a capacity of 99 kWth,
- its estimated load factor has been calculated as 60%
- therefore, the deemed annual heat usage is 520,344 kWhth
(Capacity x Load factor x 8760 hours per year)
the tier 1 element of the annual heat usage is 130,086 kWhth
- the tier 2 element of the annual heat usage is capped at 269,914
- the tier 1 tariff rate applicable is 6.3p/kWh
- the tier 2 tariff rate applicable is 1.8p/kWh
(400,000 – 130,086)
The ANNUAL CLOSURE PAYMENT is calculated as:
Capped Tier Example (capped at 400,000kWth)
| Installation capacity | 99 |
| Load factor | 60% |
| Hours per year | 8,760 |
| Estimated deemed usage each year (kWth) | 520,344 |
Tier 1 | Tier 2 | |
| 8,760 (hours in years) x 15% | 1,314 | 0 |
| Tier 1 heat usage (Installation capacity x 1,314) = | 130,086 | 0 |
| Tier 2 heat usage (400,000 kWth – Tier 1 heat usage) = | 0 | 269,914 |
| Tariff (£0.000) | 0.063 | 0.018 |
| Tariff x heat usage | £8,195.42 | £4,858.45 |
Installation capacity x tier heat usage x tariff x hours per year = Annual Closure Payment
Tier 1: (99 x 15% x 8760) = 130, 086 kWh
130,086 x £0.063 = £8,195.42
Tier 2: (400,000 kWh – 130,086 kWh) x £0.018 = £4,858.45
Total Annual Closure Payment £13,053.87 |
The cap is an annual cap. For any periods less than 12 months, the cap is pro-rated and applied accordingly. For example, if an installation withdraws from the Scheme during an annual period, or the transitional period applicable to an installation is less than 12 months, then the annual cap is pro-rated by multiplying by the number of days in the shorter period / 365 days.
Will inflation still be applied to my tariff?
Yes, inflation will continue to be applied to your tariff, meaning the payment is subject to an annual change.
Will anything change the amount of the payment I receive?
If you use the installation less than usual, it may affect the amount of the annual closure payment you receive.
If your installation has been used for less than two-thirds of its ‘normal’ operating level (eg. because it was temporarily out of operation or you just used it less), then you must declare this when completing the annual declaration and the ANNUAL CLOSURE PAYMENT will be adjusted accordingly.
‘Normal’ operation is considered the operation established in the 2017-2019 reference period. If the operation of the installation is less than this, the load factor will be adjusted as follows:
| Band | Usage | Effect on annual payment calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Operation | More than two-thirds of the level of use during the 2017-2019 reference period. | 100% of the load factor is used in the payment calculation. |
| Minimal use – upper limit | More than one-third but no more than two-thirds of the level of use during the 2017-2019 reference period. | Two thirds of the load factor is used in the payment calculation. |
| Minimal use – lower limit | More than 5%, but no more than one-third of the level of use during the 2017-2019 reference period. | One third of the load factor is used in the payment calculation. |
| De-minimus | 5% or less of the level of use during the 2017-2019 reference period. | 5% load factor is used in the payment calculation. |
| Installation not used to generate heat in the claim period | 0% | No payment will be made for the claim period if the installation was not used to generate heat. |
Example 1 – reduced to two-thirds (no cap implications):
An installation has:
- a capacity of 99kWth
- its estimated load factor has been calculated as 40%
- the tier 1 tariff rate applicable is 6.3p/kWh
- the tier 2 tariff rate applicable is 1.8p/kWh
- the installation was only used for 60% of its normal operation due to it being temporarily out of operation due to a fault.
Reduced usage falls within the one third to two thirds band and the estimated load factor is therefore reduced to two thirds:
40% x 2/3rds = 26.7%
The annual closure payment is recalculated using the revised load factor:
| Installation capacity | 99kWh |
| Load factor | 40% |
| Limited Usage of installation | 60% of normal usage |
Revised Load Factor (2/3rds usage) Load Factor x Limited usage (40% x 2/3rds) | 26.7% |
| Hours per year | 8,760 |
Tier 1 | Tier 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 heat usage - up to 15% | 15% | - |
| Tier 2 heat usage Revised Load Factor minus 15% | - | 11.7% |
| Tariff (£0.000) | 0.063 | 0.018 |
| = Annual Closure Payment | £8,195.42 | £1,826.41 |
Installation capacity x tier heat usage x tariff x hours per year = Annual Closure Payment
Tier 1: 99 x 15% x £0.063 x 8,760 = £8,195.42
Tier 2: 99 x 11.7% x 0.018 x 8,760 = £1,826.41
Total Annual Closure Payment £10,021.83 |
It is not possible to provide an example of every variation of the annual payment calculation. If the scenarios outlined do not reflect your usage and you want to know more about the annual closure payment, please contact the RHI team for further information.
When will I receive my first closure payment?
The registration process will start on or around the anniversary of your accreditation to the original RHI Scheme. After successful registration on to the DfE RHI Register, the Authorised Signatory will be advised to access the DfE RHI Register to complete the online Annual Declaration. When the Department is content that the installation remains eligible, payment will be approved.
The original RHI Non-Domestic Scheme made payments at quarterly intervals. The closure payment will be paid annually when the anniversary of the accreditation has been reached, an annual declaration has been submitted, and the Department has determined eligibility. The first annual closure payment will be prorated and will cover the period from your conversion day to the day before your accreditation date.
I’m using my installation more than I used it in the 2017-2019 period – why isn’t my payment more?
Annual Closure Payments are based on the usage of your installation using meter readings that were submitted for the period April 2017-March 2019. If you use your installation more now than you did then, you can only get a payment equivalent to the usage in that period as up to date meter readings are not used to calculate the annual closure payment.
If you believe that any of the quarterly meter readings submitted for the period 2017-2019 was not a fair reflection of the heat output of the installation for that quarter, please contact the RHI team at RHIManagement@economy-ni.gov.uk requesting a review of the payment.
Your request for a review of the meter readings used to calculate your payment must be made at least 6 months before the second annual closure payment is due.
I didn’t own the installation in 2017-2019 period. I operate it differently and my payment should be more.
All payments under the RHI Closure Scheme are based on usage in the 2017-19 period, even if you didn’t own or operate the installation in that period.
What happens if I forget to submit something on time?
If necessary, you will be issued reminders to complete annual declarations or provide any other information the Department has requested. We want you to be compliant with the Scheme and will provide as much assistance as possible. However, we may pass your case onto the Compliance team if you continue to fail to respond to requests for information. Continued failure may result in sanctions, such as withholding your annual closure payment, a reduction in your annual closure payment, or revocation from the Scheme.
Request for review of payment calculation
If I disagree with my payment calculation, what can I do?
If you disagree with your payment calculation, you may request a review and explain why you consider any of the quarterly meter readings (submitted in the period 01 April 2017 to 31 March 2019 and which have been used to determine your payment) are not a fair reflection of the heat output for that period. Where the Department is satisfied that there is a compelling reason, it may revise the calculation of heat output for a quarter.
How long do I have to request a review of my payment calculation?
A request for a review of the heat output calculations must be received by the Department at least 6 months before your second annual closure payment is due.
General right of review
What if I dispute any other decision the Department has made?
In respect of all decisions the Department makes (except in relation to the payment calculation) a request for review must be received by the Department within 28 days of the date of issue of the notification of the decision.
What is the review process?
A closure participant affected by a decision may ask the Department to carry out a review of that decision. The review will be carried out by a person who was not involved in making the original decision.
If the applicant does not agree with the outcome of the review, they may request a further review of that determination. The further review will be carried out by an independent panel appointed by the Department.
Any request for a further review must be received by the Department within 28 days of notification of the Department’s determination.
What if I don’t want to convert to the RHI Closure Scheme?
You do not have to convert to the RHI Closure Scheme. If you do not want to convert to a closure accreditation, your installation will be revoked, and you will not be eligible to convert at a later date. This means you will not be eligible for annual closure payments.
What information do I need to provide if requested?
Any information you are requested to provide is to help demonstrate compliance with the closure Scheme. This may include fuel purchase records, maintenance records and any other supporting information requested by the Department. All requests for information will be in line with the RHI Regulations.
How long do I have to respond to information requests?
The Department will specify deadlines in all correspondence. Failure to respond within the timeframe may result in enforcement action being taken.
Change of circumstances
What counts as a change in circumstances that I must report?
Changes in circumstances can include changes of ownership, changes to the Authorised Signatory, change of bank details, boiler relocation or boiler permanently ceasing operating. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list. If you become aware of a change in circumstances that may affect your entitlement to receive payments, or you are unsure, you must notify the RHI Management Team at RHIManagement@economy-ni.gov.uk.
What happens if I sell my installation or business?
If you sell your installation or business, you may be eligible for payment for the period you were still the owner. If you do sell, you must contact the Department via email at RHImanagement@economy-ni.gov.uk within 28 days of the change taking place.
Can ownership be transferred under the RHI Closure Scheme?
Yes, a change of ownership is possible under the RHI Closure Scheme. You should contact the Department via email at RHImanagement@economy-ni.gov.uk if you plan to transfer ownership of the installation. All changes of circumstances must be reported within 28 days of the change occurring.
What if I stop using the installation or it has permanently ceased operating?
If you stop using your installation or it has permanently ceased operating, you must notify the Department. You must contact the Department via email at RHImanagement@economy-ni.gov.uk within 28 days of the change occurring.
Can I replace my boiler?
Yes. Where a closure accredited installation is completely replaced during its tariff lifetime, the closure participant must notify the Department of the replacement and provide any information required within the timeframe specified. An annual closure payment will not be made after the replacement unless the notification requirements have been met.
Compliance
What does the Department consider to be “non‑compliance”?
Non‑compliance may include failure to submit required information, providing inaccurate or misleading information, failure to maintain records, or not meeting Scheme eligibility conditions. The Scheme guidance sets this out in detail.
Inspections
Will there be an inspections programme?
Yes – the Department intends to have an inspections programme. The Department will inspect all installations over the course of the closure Scheme.
Will I be given notice of an inspection?
We will contact you at least 24hrs in advance of an inspection, except in very exceptional circumstances. Where possible, inspections will be held in normal working hours 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
What information will I need to provide during the inspection?
The inspector must be accompanied on site and be given full access to the installations. The inspector will gather information to check the installation is operating in compliance with the regulations. You should be prepared to answer questions about the installation and how the heat is used. You will also need to provide information and records on maintenance and on fuel purchases for biomass boilers. Further information on inspections will be provided on our website at a later date.
Further Help
Who do I contact if I have questions or need help?
If you require help or have any further questions please contact RHIManagement@economy-ni.gov.uk and a member of the team will get back to you.
Will guidance be available in alternative formats?
If guidance is required in another format, please email RHIManagement@economy-ni.gov.uk with your request.
Accessibility and support
We are committed to making our communications accessible.
If you require this information in a different format, you can:
- Request a more accessible version
- Ask for help completing your forms
- Contact us with any questions
If you need a more accessible version of any document, please contact the RHI Team.
Contact Us
If you have questions about the RHI closure process, please contact:
Email: RHImanagement@economy-ni.gov.uk
Telephone: 028 9025 7571