I have been concerned that we would not be eligible for RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) for our ground source heat pump based on the criteria for RHPP (Renewable Heat Premium Payment).  RHPP is the current scheme in place and RHI does not come into effect until Spring 2014. RHPP is a one-off payment, whereas RHI is based on a tariff (with different tariffs for different sorts of heat generation). Information on RHI is still fairly sparse although it is due to be updated “during summer 2013”.

With the current proposed tariffs for RHI, the incentive could be around £2,000 per year for 7 years.  So a significant sum.

While the information on RHI is sparse, the information on RHPP is very clear about existing gas users on this page.  Here is the relevant text….

 if you have recently removed a mains gas heating system or currently heat your home with mains gas, you are only eligible to apply for solar thermal

On the basis that we aren’t eligible for RHPP, I began to wonder if we would be eligible for RHI.

However, you will find a factsheet on RHIon the Government’s DEC website here, but here is the relevant text regarding existing gas users.

If my current main fuel use is gas, can I still get RHI if I install a renewable heat technology?

Yes, we propose that the scheme be open to any home in Great Britain wishing to take part, even if they are currently using gas as their main fuel. However, almost 3 million homes in the UK do not have gas as an option. These off gas grid homes typically face higher bills and produce more carbon than the equivalent on grid home. For this reason, we are proposing that the tariff levels are set to be more financially advantageous to those homes off the gas grid, compared with those that are.

 So this all sounds good for current gas users who want to move to a ground source heat pump.

UPDATE: 12th July 2013 The Government has released the latest information on RHI and the links to it will be found here.  It is good news for current gas users as it appears the scheme is open to all households.