Written Statement to the Northern Ireland Assembly - Closure of the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat (RHI) Scheme - 15 January 2026

Following the Executive’s decisions in July 2024 and September 2025 to close the Non‑Domestic RHI Scheme, to introduce the RHI (Closure of Non‑Domestic Scheme) Bill to the Assembly and to consult on the proposed closure arrangements, the Executive considered today my Department’s draft formal response to the consultation.

The Executive agreed the proposed policy approach, enabling my Department to finalise both the necessary legislation and the operational arrangements required to Scheme closure.  Key updated elements of the agreed closure proposals include:

• The introduction of a four‑band usage declaration system (increased from the three‑band model proposed in the consultation).
• A review mechanism for the 2017–19 reference period in cases of exceptional circumstances; and
• Provision to allow for the transfer or relocation of installations.

Today’s agreement is a significant step towards delivering the commitment set out in New Decade, New Approach to close the RHI scheme. It provides clarity and certainty on the way forward. The approach reflects the outcome of the public consultation and ensures a closure process that is fair, transparent and robust, balancing the interests of participants and taxpayers.