Is your RHI heat meter approaching 10 years old, already overdue for replacement or no longer operating correctly?
Under the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, heat meters must be recalibrated or replaced within 10 years of their initial installation, or sooner where required by the manufacturer.
This requirement applies even where the existing heat meter is functioning correctly and providing accurate readings.
Failure to comply can have serious financial consequences, including the potential recovery of RHI payments.
At Treco, we provide heat meter replacement services for commercial and industrial biomass installations, helping customers meet their ongoing RHI obligations and protect their renewable heat income.
Our services cover the technical aspects of heat meter replacement alongside the associated documentation and Ofgem application amendments.
Contact Treco to arrange an RHI heat meter replacement or discuss your installation's compliance requirements.
Does Your RHI Heat Meter Need Replacing?
Many biomass boilers accredited under the Non-Domestic RHI scheme have now been operating for more than 10 years.
While boiler servicing and maintenance are often carried out regularly, heat meter replacement can easily be overlooked.
The requirement is set out in Regulation 45(1)(c) of the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme Regulations 2018.
Heat meters must be recalibrated at least every 10 years, or sooner where specified by the manufacturer. Ofgem permits participants to satisfy this requirement through recalibration or replacement.
Importantly, a heat meter does not need to have developed a fault for the requirement to apply.
Even if your meter is working perfectly, it may no longer satisfy the RHI requirements if it has exceeded the applicable recalibration period.
If you are unsure when your heat meter was installed or last recalibrated, Treco can help review your installation and advise on the next steps.
What Happens if You Don't Replace Your RHI Heat Meter?
Failure to meet the RHI metering requirements can result in Ofgem compliance action and potential recovery of payments.
Treco has encountered compliance cases where Ofgem has sought recovery of 10% of RHI payments relating to periods when heat meters were overdue for recalibration or replacement.
For installations receiving substantial RHI income, even a relatively small percentage recovery can represent a significant financial loss. Where a meter has been overdue for several years, the cumulative amount at risk may be considerably higher.
The 10% figure reflects compliance cases encountered by Treco and is not a fixed or automatic penalty rate.
Replacing an overdue meter now does not necessarily resolve historical non-compliance or prevent Ofgem from investigating earlier periods.
For this reason, we recommend arranging replacement before the relevant deadline rather than waiting until Ofgem raises a compliance query.
Do you have a replacement meter question?
Speak to our team on 01884 684916
RHI Heat Meter Replacement or Recalibration – Which Is Better?
The RHI scheme allows participants to meet the periodic recalibration requirement by either recalibrating the existing heat meter or replacing it.
The most suitable option depends on the meter type, manufacturer, age, condition and availability of recalibration services.
Heat Meter Recalibration
Recalibration involves checking and verifying the accuracy of the existing metering equipment. To do this the meter must be removed and sent back to the manufacturer. This can involve downtime, additional labour and the need to manage RHI metering arrangements during the process. A suitable calibration certificate and the necessary evidence must be retained.
Heat Meter Replacement
Replacement involves installing a new, appropriately specified heat meter in place of the existing equipment.
For many commercial biomass installations, replacing the meter can be more practical and economical than recalibrating the original equipment.
Potential advantages include:
- New metering equipment with a fresh recalibration period.
- Reduced risk of future faults associated with ageing equipment.
- Modern displays and communication options, where appropriate.
- Avoiding the logistical difficulties of removing and recalibrating existing meters.
- An opportunity to review the suitability of the existing metering arrangement.
Treco can assess the installation and advise on the most appropriate replacement approach.
Comply with RHI
Reduce Breakdowns
Avoids fines
Commercial Biomass Heat Meter Replacement Services
Treco provides heat meter replacement services for commercial and industrial biomass heating installations.
We can assist with replacing meters installed on:
- Wood pellet boilers.
- Wood chip boilers.
- Commercial and industrial biomass heating systems.
- Biomass district heating networks.
- Systems with multiple boilers or heat sources.
- Installations with multiple RHI heat meters.
- Buffer vessel and heat distribution arrangements.
Depending on the existing system, replacement may involve the flow meter, temperature sensors, calculator or integrator, and associated components.
The replacement equipment must be correctly specified for the installation and satisfy the applicable RHI metering requirements.
Our engineers consider factors such as pipe diameter, flow rates, temperature ranges, installation location, meter accuracy and compatibility with the existing heating system.
Our RHI Heat Meter Replacement Process
1. Review the Existing Metering Arrangement
We begin by reviewing the existing heat meters, their locations, installation dates and relevant technical specifications.
Where available, we also review the RHI accreditation information and existing metering schematic.
2. Select Suitable Replacement Equipment
We identify appropriate replacement heat meters based on the system's technical requirements and the applicable RHI metering rules.
The objective is to provide accurate, reliable heat measurement while avoiding unnecessary changes to the existing installation.
3. Plan the Replacement
We arrange the work to minimise disruption to the heating system.
Depending on the installation, replacing a heat meter may require temporarily isolating and draining part of the heating circuit.
4. Record the Existing Meter Readings
Before removing the existing equipment, the closing readings and relevant meter information are recorded.
This is particularly important for RHI installations, where accurate records are required to support the transition between the old and new meters.
5. Install and Commission the New Meter
The replacement meter is installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the relevant metering requirements.
The new meter is checked and commissioned, with its opening reading, serial numbers and installation details recorded.
6. Prepare the Ofgem Documentation
Following replacement, the necessary evidence is assembled to support the RHI application amendment.
This can include photographs, meter details, installation dates, opening and closing readings, installer declarations and updated schematics where required.
7. Support the RHI Application Amendment
Treco can assist with updating the RHI accreditation information to reflect the replacement meter.
This helps customers navigate the administrative requirements associated with changing metering equipment.
Do You Need to Notify Ofgem When Replacing a Heat Meter?
Yes. Replacing an RHI heat meter is a change to the accredited installation that must be notified to Ofgem.
Under the Non-Domestic RHI scheme, participants must notify Ofgem of relevant installation changes within 28 days.
This normally involves submitting an amendment through the RHI Register.
Ofgem may require:
- Details of the original and replacement heat meters.
- The reason for replacement.
- The replacement date.
- Closing readings from the original meter.
- Opening readings from the new meter.
- Meter manufacturer, model and serial numbers.
- Photographs showing the replacement equipment.
- An installer declaration or other supporting evidence.
- Updated metering schematics where applicable.
Where a meter consists of separate flow measurement and calculator components, the relevant details of each component must be recorded.
Ofgem may request further information before approving the amendment.
Treco can assist customers with preparing and submitting the necessary information.
What Happens to RHI Payments During Heat Meter Replacement?
Replacing a heat meter does not automatically mean that an installation loses its RHI accreditation.
However, the replacement must be properly documented and the required amendment submitted to Ofgem.
Ofgem advises participants not to submit periodic RHI data while a meter replacement amendment is awaiting approval.
Meter readings should continue to be recorded so that the relevant information can be submitted once the amendment process is complete.
It is therefore important to plan the replacement carefully and maintain accurate records throughout the process.
Where there are historical metering problems, missing readings or other compliance concerns, additional advice may be required.
Can You Change the Heat Meter Arrangement Instead of Replacing Like for Like?
In some circumstances, it may be possible to review or modify an installation's existing heat metering arrangement.
Older biomass installations may have been designed with multiple heat meters or more complex metering configurations than are now necessary for their current operation.
Depending on the installation and the applicable RHI requirements, alternative metering arrangements may be worth investigating.
However, changing the metering configuration can have implications for RHI eligibility, heat measurement and accreditation.
Any proposed changes must be assessed against the scheme rules and, where required, approved by Ofgem.
Treco can review existing metering arrangements and assist with identifying potential options.
Why Choose Treco for RHI Heat Meter Replacement?
Treco specialises in commercial and industrial biomass heating systems, providing installation, servicing, repairs and ongoing RHI compliance support.
We understand that replacing a heat meter on an RHI-accredited installation involves more than simply fitting new equipment.
The technical installation, meter specifications, record keeping and Ofgem amendment process all need to be considered.
Benefits of working with Treco include:
- Experience with commercial and industrial biomass installations.
- Knowledge of Non-Domestic RHI metering requirements.
- Heat meter selection, replacement and commissioning.
- Support with Ofgem application amendments.
- Assistance with metering schematics and technical documentation.
- Review of existing metering arrangements.
- Wider biomass boiler maintenance and RHI compliance support.
- Experience working on installations originally installed by other contractors.
Our aim is to provide a straightforward replacement service that addresses both the physical equipment and the associated compliance requirements.
Speak to our maintenance team
For expert advice, speak to our maintenance team today.
Call 01884 684916 or use the form below to book your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do RHI heat meters have to be replaced every 10 years?
Not necessarily. The requirement is to recalibrate or replace them within 10 years of initial installation, or sooner if the manufacturer specifies a shorter period. Replacement is often a practical alternative to recalibration.
- Does the 10-year rule apply if my heat meter is still working?
Yes. A meter can continue displaying accurate-looking readings but still be overdue for the required recalibration or replacement.
- Can I replace my RHI heat meter with a different manufacturer?
Potentially, yes. The replacement must be appropriately specified, compatible with the heating installation and compliant with the relevant RHI metering requirements.
- Do I need to notify Ofgem after replacing my heat meter?
Yes. A meter replacement must be notified through the relevant RHI amendment process, normally within 28 days of the change.
- Will replacing my heat meter affect my RHI payments?
The replacement itself does not automatically remove accreditation, but the change must be properly notified and approved. Periodic data submissions may be delayed while the amendment is processed.
- What if my RHI heat meter is already more than 10 years old?
You should review its installation and recalibration history promptly. If the meter is overdue, arrange appropriate recalibration or replacement and consider whether historical non-compliance needs to be addressed.
- Can Treco replace heat meters on biomass boilers installed by other companies?
Yes. Treco can assist with heat meter replacement and RHI compliance support for commercial biomass installations originally installed by other contractors.
- How much does an RHI heat meter replacement cost?
Costs depend on the meter size and type, pipework configuration, site access, installation requirements and whether additional work is needed. Typically for a 50kW system the cost of the replacement meter, the labour to install it and the RHI administration work, will be in the region of £1,500, with the costs increasing as boiler (and meter) size increases. Treco can provide a quotation following a review of the existing installation.
- Can I replace several RHI heat meters at the same time?
Yes. Where an installation has multiple meters approaching their recalibration deadlines, replacing them together may reduce disruption and site attendance costs. Each meter must still be correctly documented. If you do have multiple heat meters it will likely be more favourable for you if we switch you to a heat loss assessed based account.
Request an RHI Heat Meter Replacement Quotation
Is your RHI heat meter approaching 10 years old or already overdue for replacement?
Don't wait until an Ofgem compliance investigation identifies a problem.
Treco can review your existing heat meters, recommend suitable replacements, carry out the installation and assist with the associated RHI amendment process.
Whether you have a single commercial biomass boiler or a larger installation with multiple heat meters, our team can help.
Contact Treco's Service Team
Telephone: 01884 684916
Email: [email protected]
To help us prepare a quotation, please provide the heat meter manufacturer, model, pipe size, installation date and any available photographs. Your RHI accreditation details and existing metering schematic can also be useful.