The following is a response from DETI on the ROCs consultation
“In June 2014, DETI consulted on proposed changes to NIROC banding levels for small scale (up to 250kW) solar PV generating stations from 1 April 2015. The consultation proposed a reduction from 4 NIROCs to 1.6 NIROCs for solar PV generating stations up to 50kW installed capacity and from 2 NIROCs to 1.6 NIROCs for generating stations above 50kW and up to 250kW installed capacity. The consultation also proposed a 6 month grace period for those generating stations which expected to commission and accredit under the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation (NIRO) before 1 April 2015 but, for reasons outside their control, experienced a delay in connecting to the grid.
Latest position
The Department received over 330 responses to the consultation and has been working through those responses. This work is ongoing and a consultation response is expected to be issued in early 2015 which will confirm any changes to NIROC levels.
However, in recognition of the impact that any delay on confirming revised NIROC levels might have on installers and prospective generators, the Minister has decided that there will be no change to existing NIROC levels before 1 October 2015. This means that eligible solar PV generating stations up to 50kW will realise 4 NIROCs/MWh and solar PV generating stations above 50kW and up to 250kW will realise 2 NIROCs/MWh provided they are commissioned and make an accreditation application to Ofgem under the NIRO before 1 October 2015.
This six month extension to existing NIROC levels applies to all generators who commission and accredit under the NIRO before 1 October 2015. There will be no grace period beyond 1 October 2015 for generators who fail to commission and accredit under the NIRO before this date.”