When you apply for the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive there are many factors that come in to play that may affect your application. There may be requirements that you need to meet to qualify for the Renewable Heat Incentive such as metering. Not everyone who applies to the scheme needs metering but there are some situations that do apply. This blog will help you to understand if you need metering.
For most people who join the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, meters won’t be a thing you need to consider. There are some specific situations that do require metering however, and the following explains exactly what those circumstances are.
Before we move on though, if you have solar thermal for heating domestic hot water then you don’t need to read any further, as your system will never need to be metered. This still rings true if you have another renewable heat system at the property and you don’t need to read this blog.
RHI Applicants that don’t need metering
If you live in your property all year round and have one renewable heating system for the whole property then you are unlikely to need any metering. The scheme will calculate your annual heat use and base your payments off that figure. If you have biomass, the annual heat use is based off your Energy Performance Certificate. For solar it comes from the MCS certificate and so on.
Why may I need metering for RHI?
There are many ways in which you may need metering on your Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive but here are some examples to help you gauge your position. You may need metering if:
- You don’t live permanently in your property
- You have a back up heating systems installed
- Your renewable heating system does not supply the entire property.
On these occasions, it is likely that the equipment is generating less energy than specified on the Energy Performance Certificate and these homes will need to be metered so payment can be issued appropriately.
What does need metering for RHI?
Let’s look in more detail at the factors that do need metering and why.
Back-up heating:
You need to have your system metered if you have back up heating:
- If your home has a renewable heat system running alongside a non-renewable system, such as an oil boiler, then you must have your system metered.
- Is your renewable heat source capable of using a fossil fuel system like a gas boiler? For example, your heat pump? You must have your system metered.
- Do you have more than one renewable heating system for space heating? This can get complicated and it will be a good idea to get specifics from your Green Deal Advisor on what to do.
Is there any back up heating that doesn’t count?
If you have an open fire or an electric fire in one room in your home, designed to heat that room only, then you do not need metering. In addition to these heaters, immersion and supplementary electric heaters don’t count.
Partially occupied
If you do not live in your home for more than half the year, then it needs to be metered. This includes any second homes or rented properties that you expect to be vacant for 6 months of the year.
Renewable heat doesn’t heat entire property
If your biomass boiler does not heat your entire property. If you installed your biomass boiler after the scheme opening date, but it wasn’t sized to meet all your needs, you cannot be paid the same and you will need to be metered.
What to expect from your meter installer?
If your installer is properly qualified they should be able to guide you in the installation process to know what is required.
- They should help you understand if metering is needed in your home and why.
- Label the meter clearly and teach you how to take readings.
- Take an initial reading. You will then need to submit a reading quarterly.
- Answer any questions you have about the metering system.
Do you think you have to install a metering system for your home renewable energy system? Have you started to research installation yet? Tell us more below.
