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13/03/2020
Errors & Omissions Behind Botched RHI Scheme
Multiple errors and omissions were behind the botched cash for ash renewable energy scandal, a public inquiry has found.
Published on Friday, the RHI Inquiry found that the scheme was a "project too far".
While it had the aim of encouraging the use of renewables rather than fossil fuels in heat production, the Northern Ireland stand-alone scheme should never have been adopted, according to Sir Patrick Coghlin's inquiry.
The RHI scheme, which opened in 2012, offered a financial incentive for businesses to switch from oil and gas to green energy sources.
Run by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI), it was suspended in February 2016 over spiralling costs and later contributed to the collapse of the Stormont Executive in January 2017.
The Inquiry investigated the original design and implementation of the RHI scheme; its operation; the circumstances relating to the imposition of cost controls in late 2015, as well as the circumstances relating to the suspension of the scheme to new applicants in early 2016.
The document runs to 56 chapters and covers 656 pages. It makes 44 recommendations following 319 findings which are critical of the actions, or inactions, of a significant number of people and organisations in respect of the scheme.
A total of 63 witnesses gave oral evidence, while more than 1.2 million pages of evidence and almost 11,000 spreadsheets were given consideration.
The report found "repeated missed opportunities to identify and correct, or seek to have others correct, the flaws in the scheme".
An extract from the review reads: "The NI RHI scheme was novel, technically complex and potentially volatile, especially because of its demand-led nature and the wide range of variables – such as fluctuating fuel costs – which could affect its operation.
"These features together made the scheme highly risky, yet the risks were not sufficiently understood by all those who should have understood them within the Northern Ireland Government, either at the outset or any time during the life of the scheme."
The Department, ran by the now First Minister Arlene Foster, should never have embarked on such a "novel and complicated, demand-led scheme", the inquiry found.
"Responsibility for what went wrong lay not just with one individual or group, but with a broad range of persons and organisations involved, across a variety of areas relating to the design, approval, management and administration of the NI RHI scheme throughout its life.
"The sad reality is that, in addition to a significant number of individual shortcomings, the very governance, management and communication systems, which in these circumstances should have provided early warning of impending problems and fail-safes against such problems, proved inadequate."
The Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland Kieran Donnelly will now monitor and, as necessary, pursue the effective implementation of the Inquiry's recommendations.
(JG/CM)
Published on Friday, the RHI Inquiry found that the scheme was a "project too far".
While it had the aim of encouraging the use of renewables rather than fossil fuels in heat production, the Northern Ireland stand-alone scheme should never have been adopted, according to Sir Patrick Coghlin's inquiry.
The RHI scheme, which opened in 2012, offered a financial incentive for businesses to switch from oil and gas to green energy sources.
Run by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI), it was suspended in February 2016 over spiralling costs and later contributed to the collapse of the Stormont Executive in January 2017.
The Inquiry investigated the original design and implementation of the RHI scheme; its operation; the circumstances relating to the imposition of cost controls in late 2015, as well as the circumstances relating to the suspension of the scheme to new applicants in early 2016.
The document runs to 56 chapters and covers 656 pages. It makes 44 recommendations following 319 findings which are critical of the actions, or inactions, of a significant number of people and organisations in respect of the scheme.
A total of 63 witnesses gave oral evidence, while more than 1.2 million pages of evidence and almost 11,000 spreadsheets were given consideration.
The report found "repeated missed opportunities to identify and correct, or seek to have others correct, the flaws in the scheme".
An extract from the review reads: "The NI RHI scheme was novel, technically complex and potentially volatile, especially because of its demand-led nature and the wide range of variables – such as fluctuating fuel costs – which could affect its operation.
"These features together made the scheme highly risky, yet the risks were not sufficiently understood by all those who should have understood them within the Northern Ireland Government, either at the outset or any time during the life of the scheme."
The Department, ran by the now First Minister Arlene Foster, should never have embarked on such a "novel and complicated, demand-led scheme", the inquiry found.
"Responsibility for what went wrong lay not just with one individual or group, but with a broad range of persons and organisations involved, across a variety of areas relating to the design, approval, management and administration of the NI RHI scheme throughout its life.
"The sad reality is that, in addition to a significant number of individual shortcomings, the very governance, management and communication systems, which in these circumstances should have provided early warning of impending problems and fail-safes against such problems, proved inadequate."
The Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland Kieran Donnelly will now monitor and, as necessary, pursue the effective implementation of the Inquiry's recommendations.
(JG/CM)
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The independent public inquiry into the botched green energy scheme is to get underway today, 07 November. Sir Patrick Coghlin, a retired appeal court judge, will open the inquiry into the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme.
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Public Inquiry Into RHI Scheme Delayed
A public inquiry into a botched energy scheme has been delayed. Hearings into the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme were to start in October, however they will now commence on 07 November. An investigation by Spotlight revealed several errors in the scheme which will cost the public purse around £490million.
Public Inquiry Into RHI Scheme Delayed
A public inquiry into a botched energy scheme has been delayed. Hearings into the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme were to start in October, however they will now commence on 07 November. An investigation by Spotlight revealed several errors in the scheme which will cost the public purse around £490million.
20 January 2017
Finance Minister Orders Public Inquiry Into RHI Scheme
Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has moved to institute a public inquiry over the botched Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. The scheme is expected to cost the public purse around £490million.
Finance Minister Orders Public Inquiry Into RHI Scheme
Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has moved to institute a public inquiry over the botched Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. The scheme is expected to cost the public purse around £490million.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
