Renewable Energy Association
Press Release
18th January 2012
Immediate Release

REA welcomes DECC’s solar ‘Plan B’

REA [1] Chief Executive Gaynor Hartnell comments on DECC’s clarification on PV Feed-in Tariffs

DECC has laid before Parliament its ‘Plan B’: an order to lower solar PV Feed-in Tariffs with effect from 3rd March. REA Chief Executive Gaynor Hartnell comments:

“The laying of the order is helpful. Regardless of the outcome of the appeal, we now know that installations made after 3rd March will definitely qualify for the new tariff rates [2].”

We should know the outcome of DECC’s appeal of last month’s Judicial Review by 9th February. If DECC loses, then the higher rates will apply until 3rd March. If DECC wins, it can follow through with its consultation, and implement the decisions it arrives at, having regard to the 2,000+ responses it received. Gaynor Hartnell concludes:

“This removes some of the short-term uncertainty and it is a welcome move. There will have to be a second order covering tariffs for other technologies, clearing up: the rates applicable between 12th December and 3rd March; any energy efficiency requirements it may implement; and a means of adjusting tariffs in line with prices in an orderly manner in future.”

ENDS

For further information or to request an interview, please contact:

REA switchboard: 020 7925 3570, or

Name: Gaynor Hartnell
Title: Head of External Affairs, REA
Tel: 07870 629575

Notes to Editors

1. The Renewable Energy Association represents renewable energy producers and promotes the use of all forms of renewable energy in the UK across power, heat, transport and renewable gas. It is the largest renewable trade association in the UK, with 960 members, ranging from major multinationals to sole traders.
2.
Band (kW)              Current generation tariff (p/kWh)   Proposed generation tariff (p/kWh)
≤4kW (new build)                        37.8                                                     21.0
≤4kW (retrofit)                              43.3                                                     21.0
>4-10kW                                       37.8                                                     16.8
>10-50kW                                     32.9                                                     15.2
>50-100kW                                   19.0                                                     12.9
>100-150kW                                 19.0                                                     12.9
>150-250kW                                 15.0                                                     12.9
>250kW-5MW                                 8.5                                                       8.5*
stand alone                                     8.5                                                       8.5*
Source: DECC website

Further Information:

• 120119DECCPlanB (0.11 MB)