Saffery Champness warns of a likely delay in the publication of the new FiTs rates

Saffery Champness has issued a warning of a likely delay in the publication by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) of the consultation paper providing details of the new consultation rates for Feed in Tariffs (FiTs). The consultation paper was due to be published towards the end of September but, according to rumour, publication will be in mid to late November or possibly as late as December.

Shirley Mathieson, renewables spokesperson for Saffery Champness Landed Estates & Rural Business Group, says: While news of the delay is only a rumour, which has not yet been confirmed   – and which the DECC is unlikely to confirm officially – the consequences of a delay will have an adverse affect on the large number of renewable energy projects that have been put on hold awaiting the new rates.

“There is also some uncertainty as to when the new rates will take effect – the worst case being that they will be operative shortly after the consultation paper is released before the 1st April 2012 date previously advised”, says Shirley Mathieson.