Installers are being asked to weigh in on the future of the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme today, as Government launches a consultation to try and provide greater certainty to the market.

The Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) is welcoming views on proposals to improve performance and manage the future budget of the non-domestic RHI.

The proposals include the introduction of a flexible degression based system under which system tariffs would be reduced for new applicants if uptake approaches pre-determined trigger points.

Tests to see whether degression is needed would take place quarterly with one month’s notice of any changes.

Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: “The Coalition is fully committed to driving forward investment in renewable heat, and our proposals will make sure we provide the right support for the industry.

“We want to continue helping renewable heat to grow and flourish, providing long term certainty for those who choose to invest in it.”

Additional plans aim to introduce greater environmental sustainability through the inclusion of standards on Biomass sustainability (in line with the UK Bioenergy strategy published in April 2012) and a clear process for how the air quality regime will work.

DECC is also looking to simplify the metering arrangements for the RHI, reducing the administrative burden on participants and taking views on the scheme from existing applicants into account.

DECC will continue to assess the workings of the RHI scheme and proposes to review the scheme in 2014 to ensure tariffs for new applicants are still providing value for money.

The consultation closes on 14 September.