Act now to cash in on best renewable heating rates

Thinking about buying a biomass boiler or stove? Then you need to act now if you want to secure the best rate of payment for generating your own heat. 

Time is running out to get the top rates for biomass boilers and stoves under the Renewable Heat Incentive, which offers regular payments to households generating their own heat. The amount will drop by nearly 20% if you apply after 1 April.

It’s also important to act fast if you installed your heating system between 15 July 2009 and 9 April 2014 (when the scheme was launched). You may also be eligible for some cash – but must apply before 8 April.

See if the scheme could work for you with our guide to the Renewable Heat Incentive.

Get the best renewable heat rates

The rate for biomass boilers and pellet stoves is set to drop from 10.98p/kWh to 8.93p/kWh next month. And since households stay on the same rate for seven years, it’s worth getting your application in fast.

Under the scheme, biomass boilers must be able to heat rooms using a liquid – a radiator would be a good example. Biomass stoves must use wood pellets. Log burning stoves are not eligible.

The Renewable Heat Incentive is targeted at – although not limited to – homes off the gas grid, as they are likely to benefit most. Find out more with our expert guide to wood heating systems.

How to apply for the Renewable Heat Incentive

Before applying, you need to have had a Green Deal assessment, which looks at the energy efficiency of your home. You must also have had your new heating system fitted by a Microgeneration Certification Scheme-accredited installer.

The amount you can earn depends on which type of heating system you choose and how much energy you generate.

The payments also cover air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps and solar thermal panels.

Read More: Renewable Heat Incentive Biomass Boilers