RHI review is long overdue - UFU’s Chestnutt

The UFU also warned that given the review is specific to RHI and NI, it should not have any bearing on other schemes.

The comment follows the Department for the Economy’s (DfE) appointment of Andrew Buglass, to independently review RHI hardship as part of its response to a Call for Evidence considering the presence and nature of financial hardship.

UFU deputy president Victor Chestnutt said: “In their response the DfE addressed some of the UFU’s concerns and reservations regarding the need for an independent industry expert to oversee and define the hardship. The appointment of energy expert Andrew Buglass, is a step forward but it is vital that Mr Buglass, who intends to report to the Department before the end of the year, fully grasps the nature of this case which has no ties to other schemes and relates only to Northern Ireland.”

The UFU is cautious about commenting further until the recommended approach to hardship is confirmed as this will determine the level of support offered in cases where hardship is found.

“Crucially, DfE in their response outlines their commitment to a further independent review of the RHI tariffs. The drastic cuts make Northern Ireland’s scheme uncompetitive when compared to tariff rates in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (NIAC), stressed concerns over the short time frame for the initial decision on payments and lack of opportunity for scrutiny. It is recommended the amounts be revised and for NI’s scheme to have parity with other RHI schemes. We would like this to be fully honoured alongside the points and suggestions we have made urgently.

“In this long drawn out process so much is at stake and RHI recipients, including many of our members who availed of the scheme in good faith, continue to face dire financial consequences with many livelihoods at risk,” said Mr Chestnutt.