What is the Future of the Feed-In Tariff?

Following the recent immediate closure of the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP) and the scheduled closure of the Energy Saving Scotland home renewables grant on 23 July, anyone looking into changing to renewable energy supplies like solar PV panels will be looking for commitment to schemes following the spate of grant closures.

The establishment of a Green Infrastructure Bank within the Energy Bill was announced as part of the Queen's speech 2010 on May 25 to help support the funding of the transition to a low carbon infrastructure and should buoy the sector somewhat. The announcement claimed the body should be established as quickly as possible and should be given the resources to invest effectively in low carbon infrastructure.

Since the Coalition Government came into power in May they have made the following policy pledges concerning Feed-In Tariffs and renewables:

• We will establish a full system of Feed-In Tariffs in electricity
• We will seek to increase the target for energy from renewable sources, subject to the advice of the Climate Change Committee
• We will encourage community-owned renewable energy schemes where local people benefit from the power produced. We will also allow communities that host renewable energy projects to keep the additional business rates they generate

Will the Feed-In Tariff be Reviewed or Changed?

It has been announced that the Feed-in Tariff will be closing to new applications from March 31st 2019. This means that if you’re not currently receiving payments through the scheme then there’s a deadline which could see you missing out forever. If you’re currently receiving FiT payments, then you will continue to receive them as normal.

Further Reading

What is the Feed-In Tariff (FIT)?
How does the Feed-In Tariff work?
How do I apply for a Feed-In Tariff?