Problems with FITs applications

[SolarCity]

I would be very interested to hear from other other installers about their experience with customers and their FITs applications.

We've had a few companies that have been slow to react (British Gas) and a few that haven't responded at all (Scottish Power).

This is clearly very unfair to customers that have paid out 15k for a PV system.

Is there anything that can be done to shake them into action? A letter to Ofgem signed by a group of installers?

 

[TedM]

OFGEM will just tell you to go through the supplier's official complaints procedure, and then escalate to the Energy Ombudsman if not satisfied.

A generic complaint to OFGEM via MCS may be a better route (if you can persuade them to do it) as OFGEM are likely to take more notice.

Other things to complain about while you are at it:
- the up to 3 month wait for actual payment following sending in the meter reading
- and the plainly ludicrous 6-8 month delay in getting an export meter registered.

 

[SolarCity]

A generic complaint to OFGEM via MCS may be a better route (if you can persuade them to do it) as OFGEM are likely to take more notice.

This sounds like a good idea and it would be nice to get the MCS doing a bit for the customer.

 

[northernsun]

I've had a customer being told that they will only take the reading from the date they got in touch with the supplier despite them being in touch earlier than stated because of the supplier cock up. Should the payment be made form the notification date anyway? whats the point of entering the meter reading?
I have agreed to give the customer the FIT amount they would have missed out on, he was a very good customer and we wanted to do right by him. I am however a bit fed up about the amount, but more importantly about us trying to look professional and things like this confusing and annoying the customer. This Customer also unfortunatley had issues with the MCS notification- it was entered and then disappeared from the MCS website and had to be redone. Also had a certificate issued as a standalone system by the MCS for another customer, which the supplier then kicked off about- all unbeknown to us until the customer got back in touch.

How hard can it be for the whole lot of them to get there act together?

As you said, 15k for a system is a lot of money. We are all trying to give the customer the service they should receive for such a price, only to have little niggling problems at the end.

 

[SolarCity]

I have agreed to give the customer the FIT amount they would have missed out on, he was a very good customer and we wanted to do right by him. .

Very generous. Especially considering the fact that it is the suppliers fault and that the customer hasn't actually lost anything. It is a 25 year contract, regardless of when it starts.

 

[TedM]

For new pv systems installed after 1st April 2010 the Eligibility Period is 25 years from the Eligibility Date. But what is that date?

It is defined in the FiTs legislation and is the later of:

1 - date of receipt by OFGEM of a written request for ROO-FIT accreditation (where applicable, i.e. > 50kW or non MCS technology)
2 - date of receipt by a supplier of a written request for MCS certified registration (where applicable, < 50kW)
3 - date of Commissioning of the system
4 - date of Implementation of FiTs (i.e. 1st April 2010)

I suggest anyone installing a new system advises their chosen supplier, in writing, before the system is commissioned. Make sure this is worded as a request for an MCS certified FiTs contract to commence on the planned commissioning date and send it by registered post.

Then follow that up with the relevant paperwork when it is available. That way there should be no argument that the Commissioning Date will apply.

But, as BiggsSolar says, the 25 years still applies so it is swings and roundabouts. But it could make a big difference if the delay straddled a future March/April period when degression kicks in. The loss then over 25 years could be significant. Something to watch out for in the future.

 

[BruceB]

Sorry if it has been asked before, but can a domestic user get their FIT from any supplier, or do they have to register with the supplier they get their electricity from?

I ask because I have just completed my first install and the householder is currently with EDF, but wants to change supplier. Also there is little positive about EDF response time for FIT applications on the web, nor can you download their FIT application form..

Regards
Bruce

 

[TedM]

If your electricity supplier is one of the big 6 then you have to register for FiTs with them. If your supplier is anyone else then you can either register with them (if they are themselves registered for FiTs, not all small suppliers are and some do not have to accept systems above 50kW, some accept systems even if they are not obliged to) or you can choose any of the big six who are obliged to accept anyone who isn't a customer of one of the other 6.

Full explanation here Supplier Registration and FiTs » Caer Delyn Blog

 

[BruceB]

Thanks Ted - I thought you would know.

Supplementary information. My customer is with EDF for electricity, so I phoned them just now, on behalf of my customer, to get a microgeneration application form, but they have closed down over Easter!! So I phoned EON, who my customer is thinking of changing to for their electricity. EON answered the phone promptly, no electronic routing messages, articulate operator, and told me they would happily set up a FIT contract even though not a customer of theirs for electricity. EON appear much sharper than EDF in this area and all their information and forms are available online.

Regards
Bruce

 

[Worcester]

@TedM

I thought, it was if your supllier is one of the big (7), they have to take you wether they like it or not (not you have to register with them), additionally if your provider is non-mandatory fits provider, they also have to take you if you apply.

The smaller ones (Voluntary FITS), once again must take you if you ask them.

However non of the above stops you (as the customer) from choosing who to actually register with, it is at their discretion, for example our local DNO with their supplier hat on are happy to take on any body (at present).

Mandatory FIT Licensees:
British Gas
EDF Energy
E.ON
Npower
Scottish and Southern Energy (encompassing Scottish Hydro, SWALEC, Southern Electric & Atlantic)
Scottish Power
Utility Warehouse

 

[gr7]

EON answered the phone promptly, no electronic routing messages, articulate operator, and told me they would happily set up a FIT contract even though not a customer of theirs for electricity

Thumbs up to EON from me as well, their support for FiT applications is top notch.

 

[SRE]

My experience so far is that Eon and British Gas will take anyone regardless of who their fuel is with. This means that is you're a regular utility mover you don't always have to move your feed in tariff to a new provider, which seems a lot less hassle than having to change every couple of years. My personal FiT is with EDF and they were very slow.