Anger grows over FITs proposals

[Ted]

Investors who installed micro-generators before the launch of the government's consultation on Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) have expressed anger that they will not qualify for the renewable energy subsidy despite being "pioneers" in the sector.

http://www.newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco.py/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=3049&section=On-site%20%26%20Micro

[sleepybubble]

<qoute>
John Moriarty, assistant director of Feed-in Tariffs policy at DECC, also argued that people were not being directly penalised. He said: "We tried not to penalise early adopters. I think it is different from not rewarding them. It is not that you are being penalised, it is a case of people coming along now who will be better rewarded.
</quote>

Well there you go, the consultation isn't even over and the policy is decided... pretty typical for government consultations.

[StBarnabas]

Ted
It stinks but was entirely predictable. Have worked for many years in big organisations where "consultation" is a vehicle for senior management to tell you what is going to happen. Many of us have installed systems for ideological rather than financial reasons  - I feel a bit pessimistic about the politics   

[Ivan]

In my response to the consultation, I indicated that this aspect is unworkable - if it comes into play, then I, for one, will be de-registering and then re-registering as a generator. I expect and hope that everyone will take advantage of such loopholes, or the government will see what a nonsense it is, and rectify the situation. I also asked the question, what happens if someone opts to extend their solar PV array at a later date? How do you know which kWh were from the old array and which are from the new array? It makes the legislation all the more complex.

[Paulh_Boats]

I see two critical factors:

The Government and its departments will be history come May 2010 - that's only 7 months away.

The Conservatives policy is that any accredited installation will be paid for the electricity it generates.

-Paul

[CeeBee]

I see two critical factors:

The Government and its departments will be history come May 2010 - that's only 7 months away.

The Conservatives policy is that any accredited installation will be paid for the electricity it generates.

That had occurred to me too. FITs (at present) due to start from 1st April 2010, presumably so we don't get stuck into another ROC year. Change of government expected around then, or a little afterwards.

As well as commenting on the proposals to DECC, I've emailed my (Conservative) MP with my comments, and pointing out that a new Conservative government might not want to find itself lumbered with ill-thought-out law. He's heard quite a lot about my solar panels already: first about planning permission (which was still an obstacle when I got them); then about OFGEM taking more than 1 year to accredit my installation. He certainly gave OFGEM a kick up the backside - got a letter back from the Director (or such-like) apologising for delays etc., and the system was accrediated shortly afterwards. Someone said it costs OFGEM hundreds of pounds a year to administer each small generator - no wonder if it takes them so long to push the paper around.

I still find it hard to imagine that the FITs proposals stand any chance at all of having all their problems ironed out and still making it into law well in time for 1st April 2010.

[Ted]

I'm going to a meeting tomorrow as a follow-up to the FITs conference I attended earlier in the year. The plan is to put together a group response to the consultation document under the auspices of the Sustainable Development Commission. I'll report back later.

Can this current government really last another 7 months?