Ofgem’s requirement for replacing heat meters prompt environmental and economic concerns

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AMP has expressed concern that RHI Regulations, which state heat meters must be replaced or recalibrated every ten years, could lead to up to 100,000 meters being sent to landfill.

Following the RHI Rules, which apply to all recipients of the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (NDRHI), will also cause unnecessary expense to thousands of businesses and organisations around the UK during a generational cost of living crisis.

Ofgem recently wrote to RHI recipients reminding them to follow the current guidance in order to continue to qualify for RHI payments. 

AMP has estimated that the average cost of recalibration is prohibitive because in-situ testing is not permitted under the guidance and meters must be returned to the manufacturer; there are concerns that removing a meter could lead to operational issues and therefore inevitably a potential loss of RHI payments. At this stage it is not clear whether meter manufacturers will even offer to recalibrate existing meters.

Replacing a meter, many of which are thought to be in perfect working order, can cost anything from several hundred to several thousand pounds, depending on the size and complexity. Many organisations will have multiple meters.

Bruno Berardelli, Chief Operating Officer at AMP, said: “The current Ofgem guidance presents an unnecessary expense to thousands of businesses during a cost of living crisis. It also poses an environmental headache, having to send thousands of potentially perfectly good meters to landfill as there is no recycling facility in the UK for the meters. We are urging Ofgem to revisit the current guidance so that industry can work with its customers for a better outcome for RHI recipients around the UK.”

Together with industry representatives AMP, is working with Ofgem and BEIS to try and find a resolution to this issue. We support the REA which has suggested on-site testing and in-use monitoring of heat meters as alternatives to the current guidance.

For more information, read our dedicated Recalibration FAQs