The group, which represents owners of biomass boilers accredited under the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), is considering further legal action over cuts made to RHI tariffs by the Department for the Economy (DfE).

RHANI was unsuccessful last month in a judicial review which challenged the lawfulness of DfE introducing cost cutting RHI tariffs that had initially been guaranteed for 20 years.

Members met on Wednesday to discuss whether they should take their case to the Court of Appeal.

Speaking at the meeting, RHANI executive chair Andrew Trimble said that pursuing an appeal came down to the appetite among members to take further legal action and the availability of funds from 2018 membership fees.

“I would suggest that it is absolutely worth it to your business at [a membership fee of] £300 per boiler,” Trimble told RHANI members.

Human rights

Several boiler owners have suggested that RHANI take their case to the European Court of Human Rights. However, Trimble pointed out that this can only be done after the case has passed through the Court of Appeal.

“We have got to follow legal process if we are to have a chance of getting there,” he said.

Adjournment

The meeting stopped for a break halfway through and media were not permitted to re-enter for the second half of the discussion.

At this point, RHANI members were to discuss the formation of a steering committee which would advise RHANI’s directors on whether to continue with an appeal or not.

Trimble commented that an appeal has to be lodged by 1 February 2018.

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