Maintaining Your RHI Investment: Navigating Ongoing Obligations and Compliance Cases
Securing RHI accreditation is only the first step. For up to 20 years, your periodic support payments depend entirely on you continuously adhering to the scheme's Ongoing Obligations, as detailed in Ofgem's Non-Domestic RHI Guidance Volume 2. Failure to comply is a breach of the regulations and can result in the suspension, reduction, or permanent loss of your payments.
Staying compliant requires a rigorous, proactive approach to reporting, maintenance, and change management.
The Core Pillars of RHI Ongoing Obligations
- Data Submission and Annual Declarations
- Periodic Data: You must accurately submit meter readings (known as periodic data) on the RHI Register quarterly. This data is the basis for your payment calculation.
- Annual Declaration: Every year, you must log into the RHI Register and submit an Annual Declaration. This is a formal statement confirming that:
- Your installation still meets all the initial eligibility criteria.
- You have met all the ongoing obligations (maintenance, correct fuel, reporting changes) for the past year.
- Crucially, failure to submit the Annual Declaration on time will lead to the suspension of your payments.
- Maintenance and Meter Management
- Equipment Maintenance: All RHI-accredited equipment must be properly maintained in line with manufacturer's instructions. You must keep a detailed log and receipts of all servicing. For biomass, this often means an annual service by a certified engineer. As of April 2022 all biomass boilers registered on the RHI must have an annul service by a HETAS accredited engineer during their RHI payment year. If this is not done Ofgem have stated they will sanction the entire years RHI payments.
- Meter Recalibration/Replacement: All heat meters and steam measuring equipment must be recalibrated or replaced every 10 years, or sooner if the manufacturer specifies. Ofgem tracks this date, and non-compliance will lead to payment suspension and fines. We are currently seeing account holders fined 10% of RHI payments from the 10 year mark until the meter is replaced. This is a serious issue at the moment, which we have gone into detail about in a blog.
- Continuous Operation: Meters must operate continuously and be checked periodically for errors.
- Fuel Compliance
- Eligible Fuel: Biomass fuel must be compliant with the air quality emissions certificate issued for your boiler.
- Sustainability: You must only use fuel that meets the sustainability requirements. For most participants, this means sourcing fuel from the Biomass Suppliers List (BSL) or the Sustainable Fuel Register (SFR) and logging the BSL number on your receipts. If non-compliant fuel is used Ofgem will not pay you for the heat generated.
- Fuel Records: You must maintain a meticulous log of all fuel used, including receipts, type, quantity, and moisture content, for the duration of the 20-year scheme.
- Notifying Ofgem of Changes
Participants are under an ongoing obligation to notify Ofgem within 28 days of any significant change to their accredited installation or the heating system it feeds. Failure to report changes in a timely manner is a serious breach.
- Change in heat use - Adding a new building or process, or any new ineligible heat use (e.g., a non-commercial swimming pool).Potential requirement for a new IRMA and adjustment/reduction of eligible heat.
- Change in capacity - Adding or removing an RHI plant or another heat generator to the system (e.g., adding a second boiler). Recalculation of eligible capacity and potential re-accreditation.
- Change in ownership - Selling the installation as an ongoing RHI asset. Requires the formal Change of Ownership (CoO) process to ensure payments transfer correctly.
- Metering changes - Replacing a meter (must be like-for-like) or altering the metering design. Requires an Amendment and potentially an updated IRMA.
Compliance Cases, Audits, and Sanctions
Ofgem uses its Compliance and Enforcement Powers to monitor participants and ensure the scheme's integrity.
- Audits: Your installation can be selected for an audit at any time throughout the 20-year period. These may be a desk audit (requesting documentation) or a site audit (involving an unannounced physical inspection).
- Investigation: If Ofgem suspects or discovers a breach of the ongoing obligations, they will typically withhold periodic support payments while the investigation is ongoing.
- Sanctions: If non-compliance is confirmed, Ofgem can impose sanctions ranging from permanently withholding a portion of past or future payments to recovering overpayments, or, in severe cases of fraud or deliberate non-compliance, revoking your accreditation entirely.
The financial risk is significant: a single oversight could lead to the loss of years of payments or the requirement to repay subsidies already received.
Your RHI Compliance Partner: Treco
The complexity of RHI regulations means that a minor procedural error can escalate into a major compliance issue, jeopardising a multi-million pound investment.
Treco specialises in RHI compliance management. By contracting with us, you gain a dedicated compliance team that actively manages and mitigates your risk:
- Proactive Reporting: We track your meter calibration deadlines and manage all quarterly/monthly data submissions for accuracy and timeliness.
- Audit Preparation: We ensure all required documentation—from fuel receipts to maintenance logs and meter certificates—is complete, correctly formatted, and ready for immediate submission to Ofgem.
- Change Management: We act as the single point of contact for Ofgem, correctly notifying and managing all required amendments (e.g., ownership changes, new heat uses) within the critical 28-day window.
Secure your 20 years of RHI income. Let Treco handle the complexity of your ongoing compliance obligations.
Are you in need of compliance support?
Speak to our RHI team on 01884 250 790
Why Regular Biomass Boiler Maintenance is Essential
Investing in professional servicing for your biomass boiler isn't just about avoiding breakdowns; it's about maximising your investment and ensuring compliance.
- RHI Compliance (Non-Domestic): For recipients of the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, annual planned maintenance by a HETAS Approved Biomass Maintenance Scheme (HABMS) accredited engineer is a mandatory requirement. Failure to comply can result in suspension of RHI payments. Treco provides the necessary documentation to prove your compliance.
- Optimised Efficiency & Fuel Savings: A well-maintained biomass boiler burns fuel more efficiently, reducing consumption and saving you money on your energy bills. We ensure your system is calibrated for peak performance.
- Extended Boiler Lifespan: Regular checks and preventative maintenance identify potential issues before they escalate into costly failures, significantly extending the operational life of your valuable biomass system.
- Enhanced Safety: Our engineers conduct thorough safety checks, including ventilation, carbon monoxide alarms, and fuel storage, ensuring your plant room operates safely and securely.
- Reduced Risk of Costly Breakdowns: Proactive servicing helps identify and address minor faults, preventing them from developing into major, disruptive, and expensive breakdowns.
- Improved Air Quality: Efficient combustion reduces harmful emissions, contributing to cleaner air in line with UK environmental standards.
- Maintains Manufacturer Warranty: Adhering to a regular service schedule is often a condition of your boiler's manufacturer warranty.
Comply with RHI and Warranty
Reduce Breakdowns and Save Money on Parts
Increase Efficiency and Reduce Fuel Costs
Our Comprehensive Biomass Boiler Maintenance Services
Treco offers flexible servicing plans tailored to your specific biomass boiler model, usage, and site requirements, including commercial, agricultural, and public sector installations. Our standard service typically includes:
- Thorough Boiler Inspection & Cleaning: Combustion chamber and refractory lining inspection. Cleaning of heat exchangers, turbulators, and flue ways. Inspection and cleaning of the ash removal system. Boiler pressure, safety valves, and interlocks check.
- Fuel Feed System Assessment: Inspection of gearbox, motors, day hopper, and aspirators. Cleaning and assessment of fuel delivery mechanisms.
- Flue System Inspection & Sweeping: Checking the condition of the flue pipe and chimney. Sweeping to ensure optimal draught and emission levels. Ticketed sweeps can also be arranged via our sub-contractors
- System Calibration & Optimisation: Flue gas analysis for combustion efficiency. Adjustment of control settings for optimal performance.
- Water Quality Testing: On-site water sample testing and recommendations for treatment.
- Safety Checks: Verification of carbon monoxide alarms. Assessment of plant room ventilation and fire safety measures.
- Detailed Service Report: A comprehensive report outlining all checks performed, findings, and any recommended remedial actions. This report also serves as essential documentation for RHI compliance.
Responsive Biomass Boiler Repairs & Breakdown Support
Even with regular maintenance, unforeseen issues can occur. When your biomass boiler experiences a breakdown, you need a rapid, reliable response to minimise downtime and restore your heat supply.
Our experienced engineers are equipped to diagnose and repair a wide range of biomass boiler faults across all major brands.
Our Breakdown Service Includes:
- Rapid Response: Priority call-outs for urgent biomass boiler breakdowns across the UK.
- Expert Diagnosis: Our HETAS-trained engineers use advanced diagnostic tools to quickly identify the root cause of the problem.
- Efficient Repairs: Carrying a comprehensive stock of common spare parts, we aim for first-visit fixes where possible, or provide clear recommendations and timelines for more extensive repairs.
- Technical Support: We offer remote technical assistance where possible to help troubleshoot minor issues over the phone, potentially saving you a site visit.
- Nationwide Coverage: Our network of engineers ensures we can reach your location swiftly, no matter where you are in the UK.
Why Choose Treco for Your Biomass Boiler Servicing & Repairs?
- HETAS Accredited: We are fully accredited under the HETAS Approved Biomass Maintenance Scheme (HABMS), guaranteeing that our services meet the highest industry standards and satisfy RHI compliance requirements.
- Unrivalled Experience: With years of experience in the UK biomass sector, our engineers possess in-depth knowledge of various boiler types and manufacturers.
- Comprehensive Service: From preventative maintenance contracts to emergency breakdown cover, we provide a full spectrum of support services.
- Customer-Focused Approach: We pride ourselves on clear communication, transparent pricing, and a commitment to resolving your issues efficiently and effectively.
- Nationwide Reach: Our team is strategically located to provide responsive support throughout the United Kingdom.
- Remote Monitoring Capabilities: For compatible systems, we offer remote monitoring services to proactively identify potential issues and optimise performance.
Need Biomass Boiler Maintenance, Repairs or Support?
Don't let a biomass boiler breakdown or overdue service impact your energy supply or RHI payments. Contact Treco today to discuss your servicing needs, get a quote, or arrange an urgent call-out.
If you are experiencing a technical issue please contact the office on 01884 684916, or email [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How often should my biomass boiler be serviced? A: Most biomass boiler manufacturers recommend annual servicing. For commercial or RHI-registered systems, annual planned maintenance by a HETAS-accredited engineer is mandatory.
Q: Why is HETAS accreditation important for biomass boiler maintenance? A: For Non-Domestic RHI participants, HETAS accreditation (specifically HABMS) is a mandatory requirement to ensure your boiler is maintained to the MCS040 standard. This guarantees compliance and continued RHI payments. Even for non-RHI systems, it signifies a commitment to high standards and safety.
Q: What should I do if my biomass boiler breaks down? A: First, consult your boiler's manual for basic troubleshooting. If the issue persists, contact Treco immediately. We offer priority breakdown support to get your system back online as quickly as possible.
Q: Do you offer service contracts? A: Yes, we offer tailored service contracts to provide peace of mind, ensure regular maintenance, and offer benefits such as priority call-outs and discounted labour.
Q: What biomass boiler brands do you service? A: Our engineers are trained and experienced in servicing and repairing a wide range of leading biomass boiler brands common in the UK market. Please contact us to confirm your specific model.
Q: Can you help with RHI compliance documentation? A: Absolutely. Our service reports are meticulously prepared to meet RHI compliance requirements, and we can assist with the necessary declarations.