Feed-In Tariffs

If electricity suppliers who are obligated by the scheme don’t follow the rules set by Ofgem, we can consider complaints about FITs.

• It’s the FIT applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application:
• Is fully completed and contains the correct information.

Is received by the electricity supplier before the deadline.

We are not in a position to require that the electricity supplier apply a higher FIT rate if it didn’t receive a correctly completed application before the deadline.

The FIT scheme is now closed to new applications, but still operates for existing arrangements. Guidance on FIT dispute resolution (Ofgem)

No. The rules around FIT payments, set by energy regulator Ofgem, clearly state that payments should not be made in the absence of accurate meter readings taken from the generation meter. The readings being used must come from the generation meter.

The FIT payments will stop from the date of the last accurate meter reading. The consumer will begin to receive FIT payments again from the date that a new generation meter is installed. There will be no payments made between the date of the last accurate meter reading on the old generation meter to the date the new replacement generation meter is installed.

Although rare, an import supply meter (meter which records consumption) may be affected by FIT installations. For example, if an import supply meter does not have a backstop fitted (so the import supply meter register rolls back when electricity is being exported) usage will fall. If a meter is configured to treat exported electricity as imported electricity (so the exported electricity is added to the amount imported) usage will rise.

Unless a consumer has offered to supply an appropriate meter themselves, the energy company must ensure the installation and maintenance of an appropriate meter. It is expected that where the energy company is notified of an issue with import supply meters, it will take necessary steps to investigate and resolve this at the earliest opportunity, treating consumers fairly and in accordance with any relevant legislation. This would include re-billing usage based on available, undisputed meter reading information.

FIT companies are responsible for establishing that a FIT applicant is the owner of the eligible installation. FIT companies are required to obtain documented evidence that shows the relationship between the owner and the eligible installation. Examples include:

• A receipt or other documentation stating ownership, or the transfer of ownership from the previously stated owner (invoices may be accepted if the values are redacted).
• A copy of the sale and purchase agreement transferring ownership from one party to another as part of a property sale, or equivalent documentation showing the installation has been paid for in full.
• A copy of a death certificate where required

Where ownership of an existing installation is disputed, the party disputing the ownership will need to provide evidence to support this claim to the FIT company. On receiving the evidence, the FIT company will need to assess its validity against that provided during the application process. The matter can, if necessary, then be escalated to a formal ownership dispute with the FIT company. If the consumer remains unhappy with the actions of the FIT company, they have the option to escalate the matter to our service.

The previous owner must inform the FIT company of the change as soon as reasonably possible. The new owner will need to provide evidence of the change in ownership to the FIT licensee, so this can be recorded and assessed.

A FIT company can only provide details of an installation when the person requesting it has a legitimate claim over the ownership of the installation. In situations where there is no legitimate claim, e.g. there is no evidence confirming that the customer owns the PV solar panels, the FIT company cannot provide the ownership information. If the information is missing surrounding the ownership of the installation you may be able to request this from the solicitor who arranged the sale.

Yes, you would need to submit meter readings and provide the relevant evidence to the FIT company. Each FIT company has its own ‘transfer of ownership’ form that will need to be completed in full. Supporting evidence will also need to be provided in line with the FIT company’s request.

Yes, it’s the consumer’s responsibility to ensure the generation meter (the meter which records the amount of energy generated) is recording accurately. If the consumer suspects that there is a fault with the meter, they need report this to the FIT company (energy company providing FIT payments) as soon as possible. The consumer will also need to arrange for the generation meter to be replaced by the company that originally installed it.