1. Consultation document – future of non-domestic RHI schemeIn January 2020 the New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) document, published by the UK and Irish Governments, provided the basis for restoration of devolution in Northern Ireland. NDNA included a commitment for reform to take account of the findings of the Independent Public Inquiry into the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Scheme and, in relation to the Executive’s potential Programme for Government strategic priority of addressing climate change, a specific commitment to closure of RHI itself and replacement with a scheme which effectively cuts carbon emissions.
The Department for the Economy therefore consulted on options for the future of the Non-Domestic RHI Scheme. The consultation closed on 9 April 2021 with 427 responses received.
The decision on the future of the Scheme will be taken by the Executive collectively, assisted by the outcome of the consultation. A comprehensive report on the consultation, indicating how responses were considered in the formulation of policy, will be published following a decision on the way forward.