'Genuine Users' Of RHI Scheme Must Be Treated Fairly – UUP

Genuine users of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme must be treated and compensated fairly, the Ulster Unionist Party has said.

UUP Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs spokesperson Tom Elliott made the call after the Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, announced that Non-Domestic RHI scheme will be closed.

Mr Elliott said: "This scheme had probably the worst outcome that any other government initiative had in NI.

"While initially the RHI or 'cash-for-ash' scheme saw Northern Ireland's government pay a high financial return leading to abuse and ultimately the collapse of the power-sharing administration at Stormont, many genuine users have got caught with the significantly reduced return and resulted with them being under serious financial stress.

"When the scheme was being introduced the DUP essentially copied and pasted the Whitehall legislation – with one significant change, that the new version of RHI omitted 107 words dealing with cost controls. This tweak made the subsidy more valuable than the cost of wood pellets used to heat boilers. And it failed to cap the total subsidy.

"A letter was provided by Minister Foster for Northern Ireland's main banks urging them to give support to those who applied for RHI. In the letter she said the State-funded eco-subsidies offered applicants a 'good return on investment'."

Mrs Foster wrote: "Tariffs are 'grandfathered', providing certainty for investors by setting a guaranteed support level for projects for their lifetime in a scheme, regardless of future reviews."

She added: "The government support, on offer through the incentive schemes, is reliable, long-term and offers a good return on investment."

Mr Elliott continued: "Many genuine business people, community organisations and farmers have lost considerable finance over the project.

"Any closure must ensure that these genuine users are treated and compensated properly."