The newly-formed Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is being urged to reverse a cut to renewable energy subsidy support which was initiated by its governmental predecessor the Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC). DECC laid an amendment to the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) before Parliament on 7 July, one week before the Department was abolished and replaced by BEIS. That amendment, which took effect on Monday (1 August), effectively reduces the financial support for many combined heat and power (CHP) systems throughout the UK. Biomass CHP plants that have a power efficiency lower than 20% will see a reduction in subsidy payments through the RHI scheme, which BEIS says will “close a loophole” in existing regulations. But neither DECC nor BEIS formally consulted with the industry on this amendment, angering trade associations and other industry stakeholders.
Edie 3rd Aug 2016 read more »