In response to the Secretary of State, Chris Huhne’s, announcement on a Renewable Heat Incentive, Juliet Davenport, CEO of renewable energy supplier Good Energy, says:

As the only utility to have pioneered and delivered an RHI ourselves, Good Energy has worked hard to convince Government of the difference an RHI would make to improving the takeup of renewable heat technology and cutting the UK’s carbon emissions.

We are pleased to see that the policy announced today applies to a wide range of technologies, and includes commercial and community as well as domestic schemes. However, we are concerned that the full scheme won’t start until October 2012, a lengthy gap which may spook potential investors, especially given the latest uncertainty around the Feed-in-Tariff.

Successful delivery will be essential to providing the certainty required to encourage households and communities to invest. We are concerned that excluding agents from supporting RHI customers will increase the volume of enquiries Ofgem will face, which may result in delays and confusion similar to those currently experienced by Feed-in Tariff customers. Also, we don’t understand why Ofgem cannot pay customers monthly  – which is in the best interests of consumers.

For further information: 

• Stephanie Blott 0207 618 9137 or e-mail: goodenergy@luther.co.uk
• Sophy Fearnley-Whittingstall: 01249 767482 or e-mail: Sophy@goodenergy.co.uk