UFU deputy president John McLenaghan, on his farm near Garvagh. Picture: Cliff Donaldson
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) note the Northern Ireland Assembly vote to immediately uplift Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Scheme tariffs for the winter, ahead of scheme closure. The UFU welcome the changes which will come into force today, having worked with stakeholders and the Department for the Economy to secure this uplift for existing participants of the scheme for some time.
UFU deputy president John McLenaghan said, “We are pleased to see the Northern Ireland Assembly following through on the commitment made in the ‘New Decade, New Approach’ agreement to fairly uplift the tariff for existing participants of the scheme. We have been lobbying for a fair solution for some time, and it is positive that the Executive have now introduced the tariff uplifts immediately.
“This news confirms that we were right to reject the 2024 uplift proposals, having now secured a much more realistic tariff increase for our members, with lower-medium biomass T1 rates increasing from 2.2p/kw to a more fair 6.1p/kw.
“Over £100 million of funding for renewable heat has gone unspent since 2020 due to the lack of progress on the issue and it’s important we look at how we maximise any additional funds which would otherwise be sent back to HM Treasury for use in Northern Ireland.
“The UFU have submitted a response the Department for Economy’s consultation and will continue to work with them to develop new, fit-for-purpose renewable schemes that supports and provides certainty for participants,” added Mr McLenaghan.
The UFU will appear before the Committee for the Economy on Wednesday 3rd December to discuss the new legislation.
