UFU welcomes clarity for participants on RHI scheme closure

On Monday Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald delivered closure of the Non-Domestic RHI Scheme.

The Assembly voted on and approved the final legislative step needed to close the Scheme, delivering a key commitment in the New Decade, New Approach agreement.

Speaking following Assembly approval, the Minister said: "Securing the closure of the Non-Domestic RHI Scheme has been a priority for me since taking office, and I am pleased that the Assembly has now approved the legislation required to bring the Scheme to a close.

"The closure of the Scheme fulfils a commitment in the New Decade, New Approach agreement and draws a line under the issues associated with RHI."

The Minister added: “For the first time, scheme participants, MLAs and Treasury have reached agreement on a way forward for the Scheme. That unprecedented consensus has been critical in delivering a workable and sustainable outcome, providing certainty for participants and enabling the successful closure of the Scheme.”

The Ulster Farmers’ Union said ithas consistently supported an orderly and fair conclusion to the scheme and has worked closely with the Department for the Economy throughout the development of the regulations to help ensure an effective and workable path to closure.

UFU deputy president Glenn Cuddy said: "This legislation provides the certainty needed to finally bring the long-running RHI scheme to a close. Just as importantly, it gives participants much-needed certainty as the scheme comes to an end.

"From the outset, the UFU's priority has been to make sure farm businesses and rural participants are treated fairly. Many farmers invested significant sums in renewable heating systems in good faith, based on the scheme and the rules that were in place at the time.

"We worked alongside stakeholders to secure closure arrangements that deliver a fair deal for participants who joined in good-faith, provide a clear framework for bringing the scheme to a conclusion, and protects the integrity of the scheme.

"We are pleased that the closure arrangements have been developed following meaningful engagement with those directly affected. It is important that participants' views and concerns have been listened to and taken into account throughout this process.”

The UFU says it has engaged extensively with the Department throughout the development of the closure regulations and has worked closely with other stakeholders, including the Renewable Heat Association of Northern Ireland (RHANI) and the Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy (CASE), over a prolonged period.

“The RHI scheme has had a long and difficult history, but the focus must now be on ensuring the closure process is delivered in a practical, transparent and proportionate manner. This outcome reflects years of engagement between participants, representative organisations and the Department. While views on the scheme itself may differ, it is important that those who invested in good faith have clarity and certainty about the future," continued Mr Cuddy.

"We would also encourage participants to keep an eye out for correspondence from the Department in the coming weeks and months, and to take the time to review any information they receive so they fully understand the next steps."

The UFU will continue to work closely with the Department during the implementation phase to ensure payments, administration and any outstanding participant issues are dealt with promptly and clearly.