The Wire

In July this year Renewable Energy Certificates – RECS replaced the old solar rebate. The scheme makes energy retailers buy 20% of their electricity from renewable energy producers. Those producers, for example wind farmers or solar energy manufacturers get certificates which they can then sell to energy retailers. But instead of giving that sector a boost, the scheme has seen supply outstripping demand and the cost of certificates plummeting, leaving the renewable industry financially unviable and jobs are now on the line. One of the key issues is the government’s inclusion of electric heat pumps in the scheme.