The Government has opened a consultation on the fast-track review of Feed-in Tariffs for small scale low carbon electricity. The consultation seeks views on proposed bands and accompanying changes to the tariffs for solar photovoltaics (PV) over 50kW and farm-scale Anaerobic Digestion (AD).
Subject to the responses any changes to the FIT payment rate table in Condition 33 of the Standard Conditions of Electricity Supply licenses will be approved, subject to Parliamentary scrutiny, with the intention that these changes will be made in July 2011 and take effect from 1 August.

Commenting on the consultation announcement, David Bilclough, chairman of Sol2o, a Micro Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited renewable energy consultancy, said: 'Whilst in some ways the announcement of the consultation is disappointing as this will affect the number of installation jobs over 50kW, there is a positive side. This will ensure the availability of additional money for small scale installations whilst established companies will need to think twice before constructing large solar farms that drain a lot of the funding.'

He continued: 'In order to get companies to invest in the installations over 50 kW, manufacturers will have to reduce the cost of the panels to make this a viable proposition. The new proposal would ensure longevity of the Feed-in Tariff scheme and protect smaller investors.'

Respondents are encouraged to provide feedback online on the DECC's eConsultation Hub - FITs Fast-Track Review, or submit responses to: rfi@decc.gsi.gov.uk. The deadline for responses is Friday 6 May 2011.

• This consultation is also being used to issue a call for evidence on the FITs comprehensive review. Evidence received will feed into the scope of this review and help illustrate if further changes to the legislation are necessary. Feedback on this is required by Tuesday 12 April 2011.