The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme Regulations 2018

Power to withhold periodic support payments: further provisions E+W+S

79.—(1) Where the Authority—

(a) is satisfied that—

(i) a participant has failed or is failing to comply with an ongoing obligation; or

(ii) an accredited RHI installation has been given accreditation or a producer of biomethane for injection has been registered as a result of the provision of information which was incorrect in a material particular; or

(b) has reasonable grounds to suspect the matters in sub-paragraph (a)(i) or (ii), and is unable to conclude its investigation under regulation 78 within six months of the date specified in accordance with the notice required by paragraph (2)(c) as a result of the participant's delay in providing any information reasonably requested by it,

it may withhold all or part of that participant's periodic support payments.

(2) Within 21 days of a decision to withhold periodic support payments the Authority must send a notice to the participant specifying—

(a) where there has been a failure to comply with an ongoing obligation, the respect in which the Authority is satisfied that the participant has failed or is failing to comply;

(b) where the accredited RHI installation was given accreditation, or the participant registered as a producer of biomethane for injection, as a result of the provision of incorrect information, details of the respect in which the information was incorrect;

(c) where paragraph (1)(b) applies, details of the respect in which the participant delayed in providing information requested by the Authority;

(d) the amount of periodic support payments that the Authority intends to withhold in respect of each quarterly period;

(e) the date from which periodic support payments will be withheld;

(f) where applicable, the steps that the participant must take to satisfy the Authority that it is complying with the ongoing obligation;

(g) where applicable, the steps that the participant must take to satisfy the Authority that, notwithstanding the provision of incorrect information, the accredited RHI installation should continue to be accredited, or the participant should continue to be registered;

(h) where applicable, the information the participant must provide to the Authority;

(i) the date by which the steps referred to in sub-paragraph (f) or (g) must be completed, or the information mentioned in sub-paragraph (h) must be provided;

(j) the consequences of the participant failing to take the steps referred to in sub-paragraph (f) or (g), or to provide the information mentioned in sub-paragraph (h), by the date specified; and

(k) details of the participant's right of review.

(3) The Authority may extend the time specified in paragraph (2)(i) where it is satisfied that it is reasonable to do so.

(4) Where the Authority is satisfied that the participant has taken the steps specified in the notice in accordance with paragraph (2)(f) or (g), or provided the information specified in the notice in accordance with paragraph (2)(h), as applicable, within the time specified, it must resume payment of the periodic support payments.

(5) If, within 6 months of receipt by the participant of a notice sent under paragraph (2), the Authority is satisfied that the participant has taken the steps specified in that notice, the Authority may pay, within 28 days of being so satisfied, all periodic support payments withheld under this regulation.