Information Note
The Northern Ireland Renewable Obligation
1. The Northern Ireland Renewable Obligation (NIRO) was introduced by legislation (Electricity –Renewables Obligation Order (Northern Ireland) 2005) with effect from 1 April 2005.
2. Whilst administrative responsibility for the NIRO rests with NIAER, actual day to day administration is carried by OFGEM, in London.
3. The reason for outsourcing administration to OFGEM was made primarily on the basis of cost and the need to ensure a seamless United Kingdom renewable obligation system.
4. Before a renewable generator can become entitled to NIROCs (Northern Ireland Renewable Obligation Certificates) it must be accredited as a renewable generator.
5. Application must be made on the appropriate form and these can either be obtained from NIAER or from the OFGEM website. If you do not have access to a computer and therefore cannot download the application form from the OFGEM website, you should contact Frankie Dodds at NIAER on 028 90316631 or by writing to him at NIAER, Queens House, 14 Queens House, Belfast BT1 6ER. Frankie will then post you out the required forms.
6.“Action Renewables” have been established to support and promote renewables in Northern Ireland. They have been closely involved in the NIRO and give independent advice to those setting up as renewable generators. They will also lend support to those completing forms for accreditation so a visit to their website is advised or a call to their helpline number (0808 141 2020) is recommended.
7. The OFGEM website is www.ofgem.gov.uk. The Action Renewables website is www.actionrenewables.org