The department first proposed banding the RO a year ago (ENDS Report 389, p 42-43 
). Under the proposals, emerging technologies would receive more Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) per megawatt hour of electricity they generate than mature ones. For example, onshore wind will receive 1 ROC/MWh but solar PV will get 2 ROCs/MWh. The bands will come into force in April 2009.
BERR issued details of the final bands in January (ENDS Report 396, p 41 ), and the final consultation contains few further changes.
It contains details of the bands and how they will be set in future. Outside of banding, it simplifies the rules for microgenerators claiming ROCs and sets basic sustainability reporting criteria for burners of biomass.
The consultation runs until 30 September. A draft order will be issued in the autumn.
