Dimplex has welcomed the launch of three new consultations on the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
The new consultations invite responses on the inclusion of air source heat pumps in the commercial RHI, the broader extension of the existing commercial scheme and proposals for next year's domestic phase.
Chris Davis, business development director at Dimplex Renewables, said: 'The proposed tariff rates and durations appear to be broadly in line with expectations, and in particular, it's great news that the inclusion of air source heat pumps in the commercial RHI is being fast-tracked. Since the technology's initial omission from the commercial scheme, the industry has provided substantial evidence to DECC to support air source performance claims, and this has evidently been taken into account.'
He continued: 'The documents are asking what we consider to be the right questions, giving an opportunity to put across our points in a structured way. There remain areas in the proposals where we feel adjustments are needed and we urge installers and other interested parties to visit the DECC website and make their views known.
'For example, there are concerns that the proposed rates for ground source heat pumps and solar thermal in the domestic scheme are slightly lower than we had anticipated. We have looked at the figures in detail, and are unconvinced that the typical return on investment on these technologies will be enough to tempt households under pressure to invest in renewables, ' added Mr Davis.
The consultation on the inclusion of commercial air source closes on 18 October and the deadline for responses on the remaining two is 7 December.
For more information on the consultations and how to respond visit
www.decc.gov.uk
