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YouGen Blog
Domestic renewable heat incentive LIVE online Q&A!
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 28 July 2014 at 9:23 am
The online Q&A is now closed. Massive thanks to everyone who took part. If you have any more questions about domestic RHI then please have a look at our renewable heat incentive information pages and at our renewable heat incentive: your questions answered blog. We will no longer be answering questions on this blog.
Welcome to YouGen's live online Q&A session with representatives from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) from 2-3pm TODAY (28 July).
Nine DECC representatives are now standing by to answer your questions about the domestic renewable heat incentive and what it can do for you.
If you have a question about an application, a heating system, the metering and monitoring package the biomass suppliers list, or anything domestic RHI related, then post your questions in the comments section at the end of this blog now.
Alternatively or email us and we will post them on your behalf. DECC are answering questions HERE until 3pm today.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The domestic renewable heat incentive, launched in April this year, makes quarterly payment to households who have installed eligible renewable heating systems. The payments last seven years. Click here to read more about it.
If you have a question about anything in the above blog, please ask it in the comments section below.
57 comments - read them below or add one
Tasha KosvinerComment left on: 29 July 2014 at 11:38 am
DECC are checking their stats in relation to MCS accreditation figures but they tell me the person with the definitive figures is on annual leave. I am assured your question is not being ignored and they will get you an answer next week.
Sorry for the delay.
Tasha KosvinerComment left on: 29 July 2014 at 11:28 am
@NigelDent - DECC missed you yesterday - sorry about that. Here's a respond from NicholasfromDECC which he sent to me today.
Hi Nigel,
Apologies for missing your question yesterday, I'm afraid it got lost in the rush of responses so I didn't see it! However we have an answer for you now.
1. DECC requires that heat and electricity meters record information at least every 2 minutes. DECC have built up substantial experience in measuring the performance of heating technologies through various field trials that we have run and we have found that this is the level of detail required to give a reasonably accurate estimate of performance. We have found that short periods of operation, for example when hot water is used for a few minutes, can have a significant impact on the overall performance when considered over a year and that these need to be measured accurately in order for a MMSP to be useful and meaningful.
2. Ideally we'd like to be in a position where we could offer MMSPs to all technologies covered by the Domestic RHI. However, we need to be confident that the measurement of any technology can be done accurately enough to allow meaningful information to be provided to RHI recipients. For biomass systems which aren't pellet boilers, it is difficult to obtain accurate measurements. For example, it is difficult to estimate how much energy is contained in non-pellet biomass before it is burnt. It is also difficult to measure how much heat is generated by a stove system which provides part of its useful heat output directly into the air of the room in which it is installed. Because of these difficulties we are only offering MMSPs for heat pumps and biomass pellet boilers.
There have been several queries about MMSPs, so for more general information have a look at Ofgem's factsheet and guidance documents below:
High level factsheet:
Detailed guidance document:
Tasha KosvinerComment left on: 29 July 2014 at 10:05 am
You narrowly missed the deadline for response to your question yesterday, but I've chased Ofgem on your behalf and here's the response they've provided. I hope it helps:
Thank you for your question.
Under the Domestic RHI regulations, there are a number of listed scenarios, which, if applicable, would mean an applicant does not have to install loft and/or cavity wall insulation. One of the scenarios where an applicant would be exempt is where it is infeasible to insulate due to the structural conditions of the property. If an applicant tells us that they cannot insulate for this reason, we will ask for a letter from a chartered surveyor which confirms that it is unfeasible to install insulation. For a full list of scenarios which may mean an applicant is exempt from installing loft and/or cavity insulation, please see our information on 'Insulation Exemptions'. Only scenarios on this list are exempt from installing loft and/or cavity wall insulation; in all other scenarios applicants will be required to install this (if it is not installed already) to be eligible for the scheme. If you require further information on a specific scenario, please email the Domestic RHI inbox at firstname.lastname@example.com and we will look into the situation further.
The Ofgem Team
NicholasfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 5:54 pm
We now have an answer for you.
With regard to the ban on HFC refrigerants: it is not an absolute ban but a 'phase down' in the use of HFCs after 2020 (some older refrigerants are already being phased out). This means that the sale of heat pumps using certain refrigerants will not be allowed after certain dates, but there will be no restrictions on the use of heat pumps sold before these dates and which use these refrigerants. We are working with the industry to develop alternatives which transition away from high GWP refrigerants such as CO2 (R744) and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) .
The fundamental physics of heat pumps are well understood and are well documented in many thermodynamics text books. DECC is aware that the installed performance of heat pumps can vary widely from the theoretical maximum and has been working with industry to understand why this is and to drive forward performance standards. In particular, DECC worked with the Energy Savings Trust to analyse the results of their heat pump field trials https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/analysis-from-the-first-phase-of-the-energy-saving-trust-s-heat-pump-field-trial which lead to major improvements in the Microgeneration certification scheme standards for heat pumps. DECC is currently measuring the performance of over 700 heat pumps installed under the Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme. A preliminary report, based on one months worth of data, was published in January 2014 and indicated an improvement in installed heat pump performance.
Analysis of the whole data set will be undertaken once the data collection phase is completed and the results will be published in a report which we aim to have completed by early 2015.
NicholasfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 3:17 pm
Hi Lola,
In bringing in these requirements we've tried to be as fair as possible to both legacy applicants and new applicants to the scheme. We had to decide on a point where the air quality requirement would take effect and after some deliberation we decided that the launch of the scheme on 9th April was the most suitable.
NicholasfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 3:16 pm
Provided you are sourcing logs from his own estate (i.e. the family farm) you will be able to register on the Biomass Suppliers List (https://www.gov.uk/register-biomass-supplier ) as a self-supplier. To apply, he'll need to answer a few online questions about his installation and provide some evidence that he will be self-supplying, such as a woodland management plan or felling licences.
NicholasfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 3:13 pm
Hi Robin,
In order to be eligible for the domestic RHI an installation must be certified by MCS or an equivalent scheme as having been installed in accordance with the relevant installation standards i.e. you will need an MCS certificate. If your installation does not meet this requirement then it will not be eligible.
Furthermore the specific product that is installed must meet certain product standards. All products which are known to meet these requirements are listed on Ofgem's Product Eligibility List. The list can be found here. If your product does not appear on this list, or is not listed as eligible, please contact your installer or the product manufacturer for more information. They will be able to advise as to whether steps are being or have been undertaken to assess whether or not the product will appear on the list as an eligible product in the future.
I hope this helps!
PaulfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 3:07 pm
Hi Beth - just to reiterate, we haven't made any decisions regarding the eligibilty date yet and we will be considering this as part of the overall eligibility criteria of this type of system.
NicholasfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 3:02 pm
Hi all,
Thanks everyone for your questions, we are just finishing off the last few answers. If you had any questions which you didn't get a chance to post, you can call the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234.
I am a GDA and I keep being asked about the eligibilty requirements for the RHI. Obviously I conduct the assessment to the conventions but for example, if a loft is boarded, we would enter 'unknown' into the software for insulation depth. This does not generate a recommendation for loft insulation. I wouldn't necessarily advise the owner to remove the boarding to insulate for the GDAR if not financially viable or practical. Does this meet the requirements for the RHI? I have asked the Energy Saving Advice Service, Ofgem and my accreditation body. No one has given a definitive answer. It seems to be at the discretion of the GDA but how can we advise without knowing how far the owner is expected to go? What is deemed 'feasible?' There are also grey areas for loft insulation requirements surrounding thatched properties and rooms in the roof. Any clarification would be appreciated.
Tasha KosvinerComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 3:01 pm
Ok folks we are closing the blog to new questions now although hopefully DECC and Ofgem will continue to address the outstanding questions before they leave us.
If you have other questions please direct them to this blog or email them in and as always, we'll do our best to get an answer.
Thank you DECC and Ofgem for an entertaining and informative hour! We look forward to working with you again soon.
NicholasfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:59 pm
We haven't forgotten your questions, but it's quite technical so we're taking it away and will respond to your after this Q&A session.
NicholasfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:57 pm
Hi Lee,
The budget for the domestic RHI will be managed through degression (lowering) of tariffs for new applicants as pre-set levels of spend (triggers) set out in the RHI Regulations are reached. Degression tests will take place quarterly, providing one month's notice of any degression. The firs will be made by 1st September 2014.
Degression triggers be set for each technology in the scheme until the end of 2015-16. Triggers for April 2016 onwards will be published during 2015-16, when the future budget allocation for the RHI is known. There also a higher "super trigger" for each technology to guard against sudden, unexpected and very high over-deployment of any technology.
If a trigger is hit, the tariff for that technology will be reduced by 10%; if a super trigger is hit, that tariff will be reduced by 20%This will apply to all technologiesLegacy applicants (people who installed between 15th July 2009 and the launch of the domestic scheme) will be protected from any tariff reductions for the first year of the scheme, after which the scheme will close to legacy applications.
Monthly updates of progress towards the triggers published on the gov.uk website. The monthly data we publish include the estimation of the total amount of committed expenditure for each tariff for the next 12 months
PaulfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:56 pm
Hi Steve – if you have one system using two products (such as two ASHPs linked together), this may be eligible depending on the configuration of the system. However, if you have two separate ASHP systems heating the same property, you can only apply for one, and it will need to be metered in order to calculate your payments.
NicholasfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:56 pm
Hello and thank you for your question on solar thermal which I shall try and answer. The decision to restrict support to domestic hot water only solar thermal systems for the launch of the domestic RHI was based on the following considerations:At the time that we made our decision, market intelligence showed that only a small minority of solar thermal systems were designed to provide space heating and there was limited performance data. Furthermore, supporting solar thermal for space heating would not present good value for money, as the RHI budget comes from public funds – this is because solar thermal systems are only capable of meeting a small portion of a house's heat demand, and are not as cost-effective in space heating when compared to other technologies. In the domestic RHI, we have minimised the use of meters and in many cases use an estimate of space and hot water usage (deeming) for payments. The solar thermal deeming methodology is only appropriate for systems that only produce domestic hot water. If space heating were included we would not be able to use this methodology and would potentially need to require metering for all solar thermal systems.
This is not to say that the domestic RHI is closed to extending its support to other technologies such as solar space heating in the future. We recognise the importance of innovation and that technologies develop over time. We have set out the criteria that new technologies need to meet and the process to go through in order to become eligible for the RHI in the future. These can be found on our website in a document called 'New technologies: process towards eligibility'.
NicholasfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:54 pm
Hi, in answer to your question on MMSPs.
The Metering and Monitoring Service Package (MMSPs) is different from situations such as yours where you have a renewable heating system installed alongside a fossil fuel heating system and metering is required to receive payments. You can still opt for a MMSP though if you feel it would be beneficial.
As the incentive for MMSPs has only just launched, we aren't aware of any companies offering it just yet, although we know that some are planning to launch eligible packages shortly. We don't currently publish data on MMSPs, but we intend to start publishing this in the autumn. We have budget to pay the first 2,500 applicants who choose to install a package, at an additional £200 per year for biomass boilers and £230 per year for heat pumps. This would be on top of their RHI payments.
Tasha KosvinerComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:54 pm
@NicholasfromDECC on behalf of @DavidGent
Re his question about burning his own logs - can you elucidate on the regulations surrounding the biomass suppliers list and how so-called self-suppliers are accomodated under the rules?
RhiannonfromOfgemComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:51 pm
Thank you for your question about payments. All deemed applicants will be paid based on the estimated heat demand figure from the EPC. The EPC separates out the heat demand for space and water heating, so if your heating system provides water heating as well as space heating, you will be paid on both space and water figures. For more information, see page 27 of the Essential Guide for Applicants.
If your biomass boiler needs to be metered, you will be paid based on meter readings, capped at the deemed amount shown on the EPC. To see whether your heating system needs to be metered, please read 'Do I need metering for the Domestic RHI?'
The Ofgem Team
NicholasfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:50 pm
Hi David,
Log burning stoves with back boilers are not eligible for the domestic RHI. We suggest that if you wish to apply to the RHI he may wish to consider other options (no matter how attractive any log burning heaters might be) – for example, log boilers are eligible.
lola2002ukComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:47 pm
Thanks Nicholas, as I said we have already asked the manufacturers and they are looking into having the product tested again.
I would appreciate an answer to my question, "Why is there no latitude given for an appliance that was already in the supply chain, which is surely normal practice when regulations change."
Tasha KosvinerComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:44 pm
This is from @BethT in relation to your comments about her Klover Smart 120 biomass stove. I'd draw your attention to her second point about the date of the eligibility criteria. Furthermore, can I ask whether you have a timescale for coming to a decision about cooker/stoves? There will be people waiting for your decision in order to install.
From @BethT:
Thank you for your reply. The points you make about the efficiency and compliance of the Klover Smart 120 hardly seem worthy of further consideration. It seems unjust to me to give a product eligibility for RHI a few months after a date and not an identical one fitted a few months before the date, when manufacturers, suppliers, installers and customers believed it would be eligible.
NicholasfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:40 pm
Hi Lola,
As the Domestic scheme continues to bed in so more manufacturers are continually testing products to meet the required standards. You can access a list of products that meet the air quality requirements at: http://rhieclist.org.uk/ If your product isn't on the list, I suggest you contact the manufacturer directly to see what their plans are regarding the particular product you mention.
PaulfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:38 pm
Hi Phil – yes, that's right, the owner of the installation is the only person who can apply and receive the payments – and this must be the owner / occupier of the home rather than a third party.
As mentioned by Nick, in answer to about the previous question on third party ownership, we aware that in some instances there may be a secondary arrangement in place relating to the financing of the system, but we can't currently advise on the legality or eligibility of any such arrangements.
NicholasfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:35 pm
Hi Cherry,
Does your 2010 EPC include information on the property's heat demand? If not, this is why you needed a new EPC.
Where metering is not required Ofgem calculate RHI payments for biomass and heat pumps using the heat demand figure from the EPC. Some older EPCs did not include a heat demand figure: for most applicants this is not a problem because they are required to also undertake a Green Deal Assessment, which would include an updated EPC. As you are a self-builder, you didn't need a Green Deal Assessment, and therefore needed to get a separate updated EPC which shows the property's heat demand.
Tasha KosvinerComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:28 pm
Next up we have an installer struggling with the task of maintaining their MCS accreditation - a prerequisite for installers whose customers wish to claim RHI:
@TonyLewis writes:
In December 2013 according to the Renewable Energy Installer there were 1117 MCS registered installers for ASHP. Their latest brochure July/August 2014 shows 888 installers; a fall of 229; as these installers have invested much time and money into obtaining MCS accreditation.
Why do you think over 20% of installers have relinquished their accreditation? Could it be that we have to be inspected every year, and have to show an installation carried out in the previous 12 months.
This government withdrew the RHI straight after the last election, and it took them over 3 years to come up with the current RHI. Within this time we have still had to show competence 3 times since then with installations.
Pehaps if MP's had to be accredited and inspected every 12 months and have to pay over £1500.00 for the privilage they might begin to understand some of the hoops we have to jump through. Your thoughts?
Tasha KosvinerComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:23 pm
Here's one for you Ofgem from @derbysolar:
Can you please clarify exactly how domestic RHI payments will be made i.e does Ofgem use the EPC or the Greendeal report. Is the water heating demand figure deducted from the space heating demand figure or does this count for RHI as well if coming from the biomass boiler ?
Many thanks
Tasha KosvinerComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:21 pm
Our reader @DavidGent has his own log supply and want to know if he can use it and still claim RHI. Plus, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but DECC do you have a view on his quest for good looking stoves?!
I have access to a log supply from the family farm and it is not economic to chip/pellet the wood simply to attract RHI. Please could you ask whether there are any (attractive) room heaters with back boilers that are eligible burning logs?
I have installed two ASHP to deal with different parts of the property and I am about to have my EPC/Green Deal Assessement done so that I can apply for RHI.
Can you tell me how RHI deals with two heat pumps so that I can make sure the surveyor produces the correct data in the reports?
NicholasfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:20 pm
Hi Mike,
All assessors are trained to the same standards and all have to abide by a series of conventions which cover how they should record data, to ensure consistency in the production of Energy Performance Certificates and Green Deal Assessments. There is a system of audits by the Schemes which accredit assessors to check that, with the same information recorded, that they can reproduce the assessment to within a few points as part of quality control.
Ofgem will always use the most recent EPC for the purposes of calculating RHI payments, so it is not possible to pick and choose the EPC that will be used. We have to allow people to choose whether they want additional Green Deal Assessments, as the position of the householder may have changed since the last Assessment (ie they may have acted on recommendations within the Assessment). The time, cost and inconvenience of commissioning multiple Assessments also needs to be taken into account. Finally, if an RHI participant is found to have been accredited on the basis of incorrect information (such as an erroneous EPC), then their RHI payments can be stopped and they could be required to repay any money received.
For your second question
It is very hard to comment without seeing the particular house, but the main point is likely to be that your neighbour has a bigger space to heat and some of this is in an open lofted room which will have been harder to insulate. This means he would be likely to need to install a larger and most costly heating system. DECC policies are considered in the round – and in general a fabric first principle applies, which is why the RHI has minimum energy efficiency requirements of loft and cavity wall insulation, where recommended. It is also worth noting that those with more insulated houses may get less RHI payments for seven years, but will have installed a smaller and cheaper heating system, and will be better off in the long run through lower fuel bills long after the RHI payments have come to an end.
RhiannonfromOfgemComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:19 pm
Thank you for your question.
If you declare that the property has been occupied for 183 days or less in the year previous to application, then the application can still be accredited (assuming all other eligibility criteria have been met), but would need to be metered. If you don't want to be metered, you might want to consider waiting until you have occupied the property for this amount of time before applying (we understand that this delays his application, but it's the only way around not being metered).
You can find more information on metering by reading the Essential Guide to Metering.
We (Ofgem) require applicants to demonstrate their eligibility as a new build by requesting certain pieces of evidence to satisfy the regulations (as the scheme is not open to new build properties other than self-build.)
The evidence required is listed below –Title Information Documents (Title Deeds, or Official Copy of the Register Entry) from the Land Registry, and Completion certificate (for building regulations), and Evidence of either: self-build mortgage or self-build loan or proof of DIY house-builders' VAT exemption on building materials from HMRC or proof of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) exemption or official invoices (with VAT number) for building materials/works addressed to applicant.
The Ofgem Team
Tasha KosvinerComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:19 pm
And this from @LEEAdkin about whether RHI tariffs will be reduced as uptake increases:
Can the government confirm the RHi rates will not be reduced like solar FIT were and how long do they intend to implement RHI?
Tasha KosvinerComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:18 pm
Another one from @Jo related to solar thermal and RHI:
My main questions is: why will the RHI not pay for solar hot water if it is incidentally making a contribution to heating as well?
We install a lot of systems with a solar thermal input. We have always set the solar up to run to a thermal store or accumulator tank and put the primary heat source (biomass, gas or oil boiler) into the same store. Heating and hot water is then drawn off the thermal store/tank.
There are so many more benefits to such a system over a 'hot water only' solar installation:
· the solar contributes to the heating as well as hot water - during sunny, colder days when the heating is still on the main boiler won't have to raise the tank temperature so much, as the solar will have done some of the work. This reduces energy bills.
· all of the solar gain is harnessed in the tank as a thermal store is so much larger than a standard hot water tank
· there is less stagnation of the panels because there is capacity in the tank to store all of solar gain at peak times
We have also installed large arrays that will do much of the heat required for an indoor swimming pool; dramatically reducing the use of the boiler.
Why then, when this is a far more effective and comprehensive method of harnessing solar gain, has this set up been excluded from the RHI? The input can be calculated in the same way as hot water only systems - it seems unnecessary.
We have also found that, with economies of scale, larger solar arrays will make their money back in 7 years and save their owners a good deal more on energy bills. This is never the case for 1-2 panel, hot water only systems.
Solar thermal is one of the most effective, efficient and direct means of renewable energy into people's homes, can its remit not be widened to heating and indoor pools to maximise its benefit? Just to be clear, I don't want to discuss the level of the incentive (19.2p); rather ways of using solar to maximise the benefits of the technology which will naturally increase take up and improve the payback to owners.
NicholasfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:17 pm
If you don't think your Green Deal Assessment Report (GDAR) lived up to your expectations, we suggest you take up a complaint with the assessor or the company employing the assessor. This company should be carrying out quality assurance monitoring. In parallel if you can provide the details of the assessments, the assessor and the employing company we can forward it to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) for further investigation (DCLG manage the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) scheme).
Although it is not possible for us to make comments on specific Assessments or EPCs, in general, the answer to some of these points is likely to arise from the different information a Green Deal Assessment provides compared to an EPC. As noted, the EPC is based on standardised assessments of the typical energy use of that kind of home. The Green Deal Occupancy Assessment should have more information about the occupants and their needs, so hot water use, for example, may very well be different. You should also be aware that assessors cannot record data they cannot see themselves. Their code of conduct does not allow them to rely on the word of occupants. Nor are they allowed to make intrusive investigations into walls to check levels of insulation. So, for building work, it is really helpful to keep the building work certificates, which indicate the level of performance of the insulation products. These can be used as evidence on the report.
Green Deal Assessments (GDAs) are proving very popular. Over 260,000 GDAs have been carried out to date, and research shows that 76% of people who've had a Green Deal assessment are taking action.
In terms of the accuracy of EPCs, following responses to our consultation in 2012, we made this decision by balancing the need for accuracy against the costs and risks of delivery if every installation was metered. As responses to the consultation argued, although metering has advantages in terms of the accuracy it delivers, there was a consensus that it would not currently be feasible to implement for the number of installations expected under the RHI. However, we will review the situation, and if the metering elements of the scheme progress well, we hope to move to metering for all new applicants in due course.
Regarding the the companies that are offering free bio mass boilers, I didn't think anyone else but the owner/occupier could claim the RHI payments. We would like to install a couple of systems for a couple of family memebers on the basis of us receiving the RHI payments. Can this be set up and how would we go about it?
PaulfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:16 pm
Regarding cooking stoves, such as Klover 80/120 – these are biomass stoves that can also provide a cooking functionality, essentially by channelling excess heat that is already produced, into cooking facilities.
These are currently excluded by our regulatory restriction on generating heat for the purpose of cooking food. We've had suggestions that cooker stoves should be eligible for the domestic RHI, since they have been designed primarily to provide space and/or water heating. Also that they are equivalent to other eligible biomass products since their cooking functionality is a secondary purpose, and does not otherwise affect their performance as space and/or water heaters.
We are currently assessing whether there may be grounds for cooker stove type products to be made eligible for the domestic RHI on the basis that their primary purpose is to provide space heating and/or water heating. If we decide to change our position we will also need to decide whether that change would apply only to new applicants, or whether existing stoves should also be eligible.
Tasha KosvinerComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:15 pm
And for a look at the metering and monitoring services package:
DECC can you explain what it is and how to access it?
Also this reader question about installers wishing to register for MMSP:
@NigelDent for industry asks:
1) Why does the resolution of data collection need to be so onerous? 1 minute interval seems to be very high frequency when most elec & gas smart metering is 30 min interval data
2) Why is the MMSP only for pellet boilers and not other wood boilers such as log or chip?
RhiannonfromOfgemComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:14 pm
@Rob Snaith
Thank you for your question about transfer of ownership. We are currently finalising the process for transfer of ownership. In the mean time, if you are intending to sell your property, please contact the advice service on email@example.com providing information on when you intend to sell your property. Once you have sold your property, we will suspend payments for your heating system. The new owner of the property will then need to get in touch with us and we will confirm whether the heating system remains eligible to receive payments under the Domestic RHI. We may require information from the new property owner in order to do this, and we will request this when they contact us.
NicholasfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:14 pm
First, it's great to hear that you are saving 2/3 from your bills compared to LPG, and we hope to encourage more installations like yours.
It is very hard to comment without seeing the particular house, but we will make some general points. RHI calculations are not based on MCS installation heat loss calculations but rather the calculation of heat demand on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The two sets of calculations are very different and carried out for different purposes. The EPC calculation has standard assumed weather patterns, regardless of actual weather. It is not based on actual energy use, which will vary year on year based on factors like how harsh the winter was. It is based on a modeled assessment of the amount of heat properties of that type require typically to keep a certain number of people warm, and to supply them with hot water.
NicholasfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:12 pm
First off, the one from Tasha on 3rd party ownership:
The rules of the domestic RHI state that the applicant must own or occupy the home where the system is installed. Therefore it is unlikely a separate company will qualify to receive the domestic RHI payments for a system installed in your home.
If a company installs an eligible system in your home, you may be able to claim RHI payments. The company could ask you to enter a separate agreement to pay that money to them to cover the cost of the installation, but that would be unrelated to your RHI claim.
We are aware that some companies are offering other arrangements that they say will allow them to claim the RHI payments directly. These may involve the company leasing a small proportion of your property, for example. We cannot currently advise on the legality or eligibility of such arrangements, or on any other implications of entering such an arrangement.
Before entering into an agreement with a company we would advise that you take independent legal advice and seek guidance from relevant parties including your building insurer and (if you have a mortgage) your mortgage provider.
NicholasfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:12 pm
Hi all, I'm Nick and I work with Paul at DECC, ready to answer your RHI questions!
PaulfromDECCComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:10 pm
Hi everyone, my name is Paul Henderson, and I work in the RHI team at DECC. I'm here with a number of colleagues from the policy and operations teams, and will be posting responses to as many of the questions posed here as possible.
Tasha KosvinerComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 2:02 pm
Two questions about RHI and solar thermal stores, echoing Stuart Elmes' views on this blog. Time to revisit this DECC?
@jonathanellis says:
is it true that you cannot claim rhi for a solar thermal installation that is fitted to a thermal store ?
@tontessolar says:
Why were solar thermal systems connected to a thermal store excluded from the RHI and when will they be included? And what do you think the consequences have been of this policy?"
Really like to know if DECC are aware of the impact of their policy. Our customers have asked us to switch their super green solar thermal heating systems back to providing domestic hot water only, then apply for the RHI then switch back. Really ridiculous waste of time and environmentally damaging.
Many thanks
Tasha KosvinerComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 1:55 pm
Another question about the KloverSmart 120, this time from @AntBarraclough. Maybe DECC would like to answer this one and @BethT together...
Hi our question is, we are looking to change are very ancient and inefficient Rayburn for a Klover Smart 120 pellet cooker. Before the RHI was released it was available for the upfront grant against the RHI payments and our installer was too busy to fit one, now after the release of the RHI it is no longer on the list!
Is it going to be put back on the list of eligable devices? and if so when?
If not why not? As it makes so much sense!
Many thanks
Regards Ant Barraclough Cert Ed
Tasha KosvinerComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 1:48 pm
And another one about biomass eligibility for RHI from @BethT:
Please can you put my concern to DECC:
Last summer I replaced an oil-fired boiler and open coal fire with a Klover Smart 120 pellet stove to heat and supply hot water to my home. The stove has a hotplate and oven, but cooking is a secondary function, when the stove is on anyway.
I was very sruprised and disappointed that this pellet stove and similar would not be eligible for RHI because of the cooking facility, regardless of its being very efficient and meeting the space and water heating requirements.
My installer informed me that discussions had been taking place with the Minister, who was persuaded that this stove should be eligible for RHI, but the Ofgem website still has it listed as in ineligible.
I would like to know whether the status of the Klover Smart 120 is being/has been re-considered and when those concerned will be informed.
Tasha KosvinerComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 1:42 pm
Here's one from @CherryJones about selfbuild and RHI:
My question is : what is the criteria used for new(self) build, it is not clear what date can be classed as new build. Our situation is that our new self build was completed in 2010 and our EPC has been deemed to be outdated for the purposes of the RHI application form and so we have had to go to the expense of having another EPC even though nothing has changed since the original!
Many thanks
Cherry Jones
lola2002ukComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 1:21 pm
In January we decided to change our wood burning stove with back boiler for a pellet stove with boiler. On starting to research products we found out about RHI and were of course keen to apply.
The first challenge was to find an MCS accredited installer in our area who was interested in doing the work. This proved to be very difficult and we were constantly turned down by installers. We managed to get 2 companies out to give a quote in the first 2 weeks of February, both of them coming from north Suffolk, over an hour's drive away. Only 1 of the companies supplied a quote!
Whilst this was going on, we were also struggling to find a company to do our Green Deal assessment, which was finally done on 24th January 2014.
I was also searching for the right product and disregarded many as their NOX and PM emissions were too high. We finally settled on a Piazzetta P966TH which seemed perfect; it was well within the air quality requirements, had the large output that we need and was an MCS accredited product. Our installer contacted the UK dealer and ordered the stove on 12th February. The pellet stove had to come from Italy and was expected in about 6 weeks.
The installation begun on 5th April, when they removed the wood burner and put in most of the new pipework. The inglenook fireplace then needed to be plastered; this was done over 2 days on 7th and 9th April. The installer could not come back until 17th April and in fact he had to return several times as it was a very difficult installation. The Piazzetta was finally commissioned on 29th April.
The Piazzetta is now not eligible for RHI because when the scheme launched in April the requirements changed for the required evidence in air quality. Apparently they now need 3 tests done and the Piazzetta only had 2. Why is there no latitude given for an appliance that was already in the supply chain, which is surely normal practice when regulations change?
Unless we can persuade the manufacturers to have the product retested, we are faced with the prospect of having to have another pellet stove installed, in order to qualify for RHI. This seems really unfair especially as if the stove had been commissioned just a few weeks earlier it would be eligible. If it had been easier to find an installer then the work would have been completed earlier.
I would be very interested to hear your comments on this matter and any advice on how to proceed.
Between the GreenComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 12:26 pm
Hi, I would like to ask about the list of biomass boilers eligible for the RHI.
In August, 2009 we installed a Tatano Kalorina 2304. We later discovered that this was not MCS-registered, as it was a variant of the registered model. The only difference was that the hopper was to the right of the boiler rather than the left!
This meant that we did not receive the grant that was available at that time throught the Energy Saving Trust.
Apparently, this model obtained MCS approval at a later date, but it was withdrawn by the time the RHI was finalised.
So we are now told by our supplier that we are not eligible for the RHI. Can this be correct or fair?
Tasha KosvinerComment left on: 28 July 2014 at 12:14 pm
I've just heard that we'll have two representatives from Ofgem answering questions here today too! Ofgem are charged with delivering domestic RHI on behalf of DECC which means they're the ones to answer questions about the application process and scheme administration.
Here's a question from @Rob Snaith to start you off guys!
I'd like to know the process for transfer of ownership. I am registered to receive DRHI but plan to sell my house in the near future, so need to know how I would go about transferring my payments to the new owners.
Thank You.
Rob Snaith
Having just completed a new build with a GSHP, I just tried to register for RHI. However the online form requires me to have lived in the house for more than 50% of the previous year before it will accept the application. Is this how it is supposed to operate, or is this just trying to trap holiday-home owners?
Everything else I've read about RHI indicates that new builds qualify immediately, with no delay to application as there is for existing houses.
I look forward to hearing back on this, I can't get any sense from the helpline or email service.
Q1: In April 2014, the European Parliament banned the HFC refrigerants on a phase down(websearch 'fgas ban'). R410A refrigerant is almost universally used in heat pumps today and is an HFC. 1.1: When, in DECC's view, will the ban start to impact the ability of the heat pump industry to maintain HFC filled heat pumps. 1.2: Is it not a case of consumer mis-selling to sell an HFC filled heat pump to a consumer without telling the consumer of this ban, so that the consumer can judge for themselves if they wish to take the risk of having an unmaintable pump before normal end-of-life? 1.3: What sort of heat pump will replace the HFC filled variety available today and can one of these new varities be bought now, either on the RHI or elsewhere? Q2: The efficiency (and by implication the cost) of operating a heat pump depends on the actual CoP(Coefficient of Performance) of the pump as it operates at varying inlet and outlet temperatures. Pure electrical resistive heating has a CoP of 1 and the best pump that I know of, that is available on the UK market today, achieves over 6 at A7/A20. My pump is rated at a CoP of 5.7 at A7/A20(ambient air 7C/air temperature in the house 20C). This pump cost £138 in electricity to heat my house (5-bed, modern, detached, estate house) through (12/10/2013 to 1/5/2014) last winter. I have seen domestic heat pumps bought on the RHI scheme that cost over £2000 to run over the last winter to heat similar properties. 2.1 Why the vast difference in performance/cost? & 2.2 What is DECC going to do about this vast difference? Q3: 3.1: Do DECC accept that Carnot's Law (websearch 'wikipedia Carnots Law') governs the operation of heat pumps? 3.2: Do DECC accept that the maximum theoretical efficiency of a heat pump can be calculated as CoP(max)= Th/(Th-Tc) where Th and Tc are the temperatures of the hot and cold refrigerant in a running heat pump, expressed in degrees absolute? Taking the formula above :- CoP(5/60)=(273+60)/(60-5)=333/55=6.05 CoP(5/30)=(273+30)/(30-5)=303/25=12.1 The ratio of the CoPs at (5/60) and (5/30)=12.1/6.05=2 5C is an average winter temperature in the UK, 60C is the temperature of a hot, wet radiator system & 30C is the discharge temperature of an air-to-air pump. 3.3: Do DECC accept that on theoretical grounds it takes twice as much electricity to pump from 5C to 60C as it does to pump from 5C to 30C, in order to transfer the same amount of heat?
I would like the following questions answered by DECC at the live online event on 28th July please. I have tried unsuccessfully to get answers over the telephone, which frankly is not good enough more than 3 months after the domestic RHI was launched, especially when you bear in mind that I cannot claim the RHI (I have a backup oil boiler so need metering) until the metering has been installed:
Is anyone anywhere offering the metering and monitoring service for domestic RHI ASHP? I am located near Cambridge.
The metering and monitoring package is available to the first 2,500 applicants. Have ANY applicants been granted funding yet? Have ANY applicants applied for funding yet and if so, approximately how many?
Jon PassmoreComment left on: 24 July 2014 at 9:31 am
Editor's note: This comment has been removed as it did not pertain to RHI. Please only post questions about RHI on this thread. For questions relating to the recently cancelled green deal home improvement scheme, please post on this blog.
mike_read99Comment left on: 24 July 2014 at 7:18 am
The RHI for domestic biomass is based on a GDA which estimates the space and water heat required for the building. I have compared my GDA with a neighbour who has a similar style of house (older, stone built). The main difference in our houses is that he has opened out his loft area completely. I guess that means he has a larger space to heat and his GDA assessment reflects that to a great degree - it would suggest an RHI of about £7k per year which is far more than the cost of any installation.
Is this perverse in that the RHI / GDA is over-compensating poorly insulated homes?
mike_read99Comment left on: 24 July 2014 at 7:10 am
Is there anything to stop anyone having multiple Green Deal Assessments until the find the most favourable outcome?
Clearly, this is against the spirit of RHI etc, but is this a "hole" in the process?
popsiclecatComment left on: 24 July 2014 at 12:04 am
Is the RHI calculated differently for heatpumps that were put in over a year ago as the heat load on my EPC from the GDA was 1/3 of that from my MCS installers heat loss calculations. I used to have LPG and have saved 2/3 on my bills since I had my heatpump. I believe the EPC is calculated by one's previous 12 months bills but this does not take into consideration the amount I used when I was on LPG as it was over a year ago and I also have solar panels which affect my electricity bills. One also has to consider that the winter we have just had was unusually mild so obviously the heating required was significantly reduced.
RobertPalgraveComment left on: 23 July 2014 at 3:37 pm
I had a Green Deal Assessment earlier this month. I requested it solely because I need a GDA in order to apply for the Renewable Heat Incentive (Air Source Heat Pump)
I was not expecting the process and subsequent report to be hugely informative, but even my modest expectations were not met. Overall I was totally unimpressed.
In particular:
1. The assessor cut corners because he knew I was only getting the GDA to accompany an RHI application. He took no information about occupancy, and the GDA report actually records the house as unoccupied. He made no attempt to get a full understanding of the insulation we have fitted to dormer windows, and (normally) inaccessible parts of the loft. Nor the very substantial insulation fitted to a single thickness 4inch brick wall dividing my kitchen from a cold garage!
2. Very confusingly, the EPC produced at the same time by the same man has significantly different assessments of the space heating needs of the house. His July 2014 EPC says 22,500 kWh per year, the GDA says over 32,000.
3. And an earlier EPC (2012) which pre-dates me installing a lot of insulation gave the space heating demand as only 16,994kWh per year. And the figures for water heating are just as varying, with the GDA also the highest - and how can water heating demand be stated on the GDA if the occupancy on which is based is 'unknown'?
3. The GDA recommends two measures. Firstly the standard floor insulation which appears on just about every EPC I have seen. Secondly a condensing oil boiler - why not a heat pump, which is tentatively suggested on the new EPC?!
And in a house with hard (but not impossible) to treat 'roof-rooms' - the ones I have treated myself - why not recommend insulating them instead of digging up solid floors?
Maybe I am expecting too much, but this report is sketchy (5 pages), confusing and a dreadfully poor advocate for energy efficiency. I am not surprised that hardly any home owners take any action following a GDA.
Leaving aside the GDA, the two EPCs themselves give contradictory and highly confusing results:
October 2012 – D (58) with potential to get to C (79)
Floor area: 170sqm, primary energy use: 209 kWh/sqm/year
Total space heating demand: 16994 kWh per year
July 2014 – D (67) with potential to get to C (73)
Floor area 182 sqm, primary energy use 164 kWh/sqm/year
Total space heating demand: 22573 kWh per year
On the face of it, these two EPCs for the same house are telling me:
- Although I have installed a lot of insulation in the past year, the heat demand of the house has gone UP by approx. 5500 kWh per year ie 33%
- At the same time as the heat demand going up, the EPC rating has IMPROVED.
It's also totally unclear how the heat demand figures relate to the primary energy use figures:
On the first EPC, 170 sq m using 209 Kwh per sq m would give 35530 kWh per year NOT 16994 as stated on the first EPC.
On the second EPC, 182 sq m using 164 kWh per sq m would give 29848 kWh per year NOT 22573 as stated on the second EPC.
I completely accept that assumptions have to be made in assessing buildings when areas are inaccessible or when the owner cannot provide key bits of information. My experience with this house and with other EPCs is however that they are far too vague to be of much use. In the course of protracted house-hunting last year I looked at dozen of EPCs, and it was obvious that several EPCs were plain wrong. The most common issue is that solid walls are wrongly shown as cavity and vice-versa.
Tasha KosvinerComment left on: 23 July 2014 at 12:03 pm
Ok, here's a question to kick things off:
We have had a number of questions here at YouGen about companies who are offering free biomass boilers in exchange for RHI payments. What is your advice to households considering taking up these offers?
Leave a comment
You must log in to make a comment. If you haven't already registered, please sign up as a company or an individual, then come back and have your say.


text:
Coming up with great 90th birthday gift ideas for Grandma can definitely be a challenge! Check out this list of the top 20 90th birthday gifts for grandmothers - you're sure to find the perfect present.
The New York Times Ultimate Birthday Book
Every Birthday Front Page for All 90 Years!
A 90th birthday is a time for reflection and reminiscing about the past.
This unique personalized book is a fun way to recall historical events that happened throughout Grandma's lifetime.
Additional Details
The striking 140 page book is personalized with her name and birthdate on the front cover. You can choose from 2 cover styles in a variety of colors.
Inside, she'll find every birthday front page from the New York Times for her entire lifetime!
It also includes an exclusive 20 page photo-packed timeline, as well as headline pages from important world events.
A gift that she'll enjoy reading - and displaying - long after the celebration has come and gone!
Enjoy Free Shipping on up to 2 Custom Birthday Books or Ultimate Birthday Books at The New York Times Store. Expires 12/31/2020.
Use Code: BDAYBOOKSHIP
Useful 90th Birthday Gifts for Grandma
If Grandma is on the practical side, she'll appreciate a useful birthday gift. It's still her birthday, though - so make it fun also!
Personalized Blanket
She can ward off any chill by wrapping herself up in her family's love with this this super-soft personalized blanket.
The heart design features up to 21 family member's names printed in a repeating fashion on the cuddly blanket.
(Personalization Mall also features the heart name design on other items such as coffee mugs, shirts, tote bags and more).
Unique 90th Birthday Gift for Grandma
Perfect Gift for the Grandma Who Has Everything
This unique personalized The Day You Were Born canvas print is the perfect gift for the grandma who has everything!
Trendy chalkboard-style print is personalized at the top with her name and birthdate.
Underneath is a treasure trove of information about what life was like when she was born - including the headline news stories, and top entertainment and sports events.
It also includes cost of living comparisons between then and now, which are sure to spark conversation.
It also makes a great centerpiece and conversation starter for a 90th birthday party!
90th Birthday Pillows
Grandma is probably proud as a peacock about turning 90! And after all those years, she deserves a little comfort.
Zazzle offers over 200 90th birthday pillows - and many can be personalized.
The pillows are available in 3 different sizes (the lumbar pillow might be a great choice if Grandma's in a wheelchair).
Personalized Necklace with Grandkids Names & Birthstones
"My Heart Belongs to My Grandkids"
If Grandma likes jewelry, then this personalized necklace is a gift that she's sure to treasure!
The hand-crafted heart shaped charm is personalized with up to 15 birthstones of her loved ones - perfect for the grandmother who's been blessed with a large family!
The grandchildren's names are engraved on the back of the necklace, while the front features an sweet expression of love - "My Heart Belongs to my Grandkids".
A wonderful expression of love that your grandmother will treasure always!
90th Birthday Birthstone Necklace - 9 Rings for 9 DecadesCHECK PRICESterling Silver 90th Birthday Circle Necklace - 9 Rings for 9 DecadesCHECK PRICE
NY Times Front Page Jigsaw Puzzle from Your Birth Date
A fun way to piece together history - and a gift that Grandma can enjoy with family and friends!
This sure-to-be-a-hit gift is a great idea for the difficult-to-buy for Grandmother.
The jigsaw puzzle features a high-quality reproduction of the front page of the New York Times from any date you specify.
It also includes a paper copy reproduction as a reference point to help in assembling the puzzle.
Available in 3 sizes - an ideal gift for a milestone birthday!
90th Birthday Word Search: Large Print Puzzle BookCHECK PRICE90th Birthday Playing Cards - Choice of 70 DesignsCHECK PRICE
Personalized Jewelry Box
Let Grandma know what a treasure she's been to you with this sweetly old-fashioned personalized jewelry box.
Your own loving 3 line message and 2 line ending sentiment will be artfully engraved onto the glass lid.
It's finished with a dangling heart charm.
A sentimental 90th birthday gift for the Grandma who has everything!
90th Birthday Gift Baskets for Grandma
Add a Personalized Ribbon for a Special Touch
Gift baskets are always popular birthday gifts, especially for seniors. It's a gift that's fun to receive, and the treats are perfect for snacking on by yourself or for sharing with others.
My top choice for elegant gift baskets that are perfect for a milestone celebration is Gift Tree.
Many of their gift baskets can be adorned with a personalized ribbon that offers plenty of space for you to write a unique 90th birthday message for your grandmother.
They offer an amazing collection of themed gift baskets, such as tea, coffee or spa-themed baskets, as well as a huge selection of champagne and wine gift baskets.
Prices start at under $30 and continue to over $250 for a top-of-the-line champagne gift basket, so it's easy to find something in your price range.
Personalized 90th Birthday Photo Album
If you're planning a celebration for Grandma's big day, you're sure to take lots of pictures.
This striking photo album is the perfect place to store all those precious photos!
The wooden album features Grandma's name and age on the front. Inside she can store up to 72 pictures from her birthday party.
Available in 2 designs.
Looking for a last minute gift? This can ship out in just two days.
Personalized Family Tree Canvas
I'm sure that your grandmother loves being surrounded by her family - and this gift is a wonderful way to remind her of her loved ones even when they're not there!
Unique family tree canvas is available in 6 sizes, and features up to 20 family members names each printed on their own leaf.
You can add your family name or any 1 line message at the bottom.
A sentimental 90th birthday gift that will always remind your grandmother of the loving bond your family shares.
There's bound to be loads of pictures taken on this milestone birthday - and this adorable personalized 90th birthday frame is the perfect way to show off a favorite memory!
This thoughtful yet affordable (under $30) frame is available in your choice of 6 color schemes.
Personalize the frame with 3 different names or nicknames, as well as the year she was born.
The perfect way to showcase a group photo from the birthday party!
If you need a last-minute gift, this frame can ship out in just 1 day using the express shipping option.
The New York Times Front Page Reprint from The Day You Were Born
A unique gift that it sure to be the hit of the party! Grandma will love finding out what exactly what was going on in the world on the day she was born - and The New York Times is the ultimate resource.
Available in 3 sizes - choose framed or unframed. Looking for a last minute gift?
This can ship in just 3 days - choose express shipping to get your gift quickly.
Personalized Bracelet with Family Names
Her family and jewelry - what a wonderful way for Grandma to celebrate her 90th birthday!
If Grandma's the type to love jewelry (and what woman doesn't?), then consider getting her a bracelet that's personalized with her loved ones names.
My favorite site for unique personalized bracelets is Bradford Exchange.
They have a wonderful collection of heirloom-quality bracelets, such as this gorgeous diamond bracelet that features up to 10 family member's names, which is priced at under $125.
90 & Fabulous Charm Bracelet for GrandmaCHECK PRICEMy Heart Belongs to My Grandkids Personalized BraceletCHECK PRICE
Inexpensive 90th Birthday Gifts for Grandma
Gifts under $25
There's no need to spend a fortune to get a unique 90th birthday gift that your grandmother will love!
For a 90th birthday, this adorable personalized The Year You Were Born mug is a great choice!
It features Grandma's name and birthdate, and features loads of trivia about what life was like when she was born.
Better yet, this is under $20! It makes a cute stand alone-mug, or you could fill it with coffee, tea, and other treats to make a cute little gift basket.
Homemade 90th Birthday Gifts for Grandma
If you're gifted with the crafting gene (handed down from Grandma, perhaps?), I'm sure she'd like nothing better than a gift that you've created yourself.
The options are practically endless! If possible, try to make a present that uses photos of the people and memories that she loves so that she can enjoy reminiscing about her favorite people and places.
Some of my favorites include:
- a memory quilt, like the one pictured on the right
- a wall picture collage
- 90 reasons we love you frame
- a fingerprint family tree (free printable)

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Lower Saluda River Trout Study
Summary of First Year Study Results
Angler Tag Return Study
A total of 334 tag returns from 145 anglers were reported in the first year of the study. More than half of those tags were received in the first two months and only five tag returns were reported in the last five months. Many factors can influence the reduction in tag returns, but we believe part of the reason could be explained by the high rainfall and resultant high flows making access limited to only the boating public. In addition, the high rainfall may have resulted in a period of turbid discharge from Lake Murray that characterized the river in 2013 from September through November. However, taking weather into consideration, the early trend in tag returns still suggests a high mortality rate of rainbow trout in the first four months after stocking. Two more years of study will provide information to better understand the mortality rate.
Another interesting result from the first year was the majority of tag returns were from rainbow trout with 284 being rainbow trout and 50 being brown trout. It appears that rainbow trout are more easily caught than are the brown trout. Another result was 59 % of anglers reported they released the tagged trout while 41% reported they harvested the trout. Anglers used different techniques to catch the trout with 48% using spinning tackle, 41% fly fishing, and 11% still fishing with bait.
*Bill Clendenin, DNR State Geologist, showing fishing technique he used to catch four tagged trout.
Site-Specific Electro-fishing Study
Site-specific electro-fishing was conducted at nine locations for each of eight months starting December 2012 and ending in October 2013. A total of 566 trout including 300 brown trout and 266 rainbow trout were captured. Ninety-one carry/over trout (trout who have survived more than one after stocking) including 59 brown trout and 32 rainbow trout were captured. The largest brown trout was 23.6" and 6.8 lbs and the largest rainbow trout was 21.9" and 4.9 lbs. Captures by month remained fairly stable until August when the catch rate dropped from an average of 86 trout per month to 24 trout per month. This result correlates fairly well with the rate of tag returns. Catch rates from electrofishing also proved interesting. Dividing the river into four reaches with Reach 1 being nearest to Lake Murray and Reach 4 being the furthest from the Lake Murray, a reduction in catch per unit effort (CPUE) from 34 trout per hour to 4 trout per hour was observed. This is likely related to our focused stocking efforts in the upper two thirds of the river; although, it is also possible that habitat and predation could be a factor.
*Corley Island shoal is one of the fixed sites where electrofishing samples are obtained.
*Carry/Over Rainbow trout
Creel Study
The first year of the three-year creel survey was completed. The six hour creel was conducted for 12 days/month during peak trout fishing season and 10 days/month for the rest of the year. During the first year 129 creel surveys were conducted with 297 anglers interviewed. The majority of the anglers were from South Carolina with only a few from out of state including one from South Africa and one from France. The number of contacts peaked in May with good numbers of anglers targeting trout and/or striped bass. Of the anglers interviewed, trout were targeted by 61% with striped bass being the second most targeted at 31%. The numbers of trout landings were highest in the winter and spring months and dropped off through the summer and fall months. Angler access was predominantly by boat (61.6%) with bank fishing (20.7%) and wade fishing (17.3%) adding significant contributions. This predominance of boating anglers was likely influenced by high rainfall amounts that resulted in river flows generally considered unsafe for wade fishing.
Fish Community Study
The fish community study involves an inventory of the Lower Saluda River fish community with an emphasis on documenting species composition, abundance, distribution, and length/weight data. The objective of the study is to document fish community response to new flow and oxygen requirements at the Saluda Hydro-electric Project. The study is conducted by boat electrofishing at 5 locations during the spring, summer and fall for three years. During the first year of the study, 1,650 fish representing 40 different species were captured. Redbreast sunfish along with northern hogsucker were some of the most abundant species. The most common top predators were largemouth bass and chain pickerel. Striped bass were also abundant in the river from May through September.
*A common bottom feeding fish in the Lower Saluda River is the Northern hog sucker.


text:
Queer Belonging: No One Exists Alone
Select Fridays, 7:30 pm
Floor 7
Join us for a tour exploring gender, sexuality, and LGBTQ perspectives in Where We Are: Selections from the Whitney's Collection, 1900–1960. Tours are led by a Whitney Teaching Fellow and offered on the last Friday evening of the month at 7:30 pm.
August 31, 2018
Aliza Shvarts
September 28, 2018
Josh Lubin-Levy
October 26, 2018
Josh Lubin-Levy
November 30, 2018
Aliza Shvarts
December 21, 2018
Aliza Shvarts
Tours are free with Museum admission; no registration required.
Josh Lubin-Levy is a Joan Tisch Teaching Fellow and PhD Candidate in Performance Studies at New York University. His dissertation, Uncollectible: Jack Smith and Performing the 'Hatred of Capitalism, explores the intersection of collection and dematerialization in the postwar period. For the past ten years he has worked as a dance dramaturgy and performance curator and he recently joined the faculty at Bard College as a Visiting Assistant Professor in Theater and Performance.
Aliza Shvarts is a Joan Tisch Teaching Fellow and PhD candidate in Performance Studies at New York University. Her doctoral dissertation, The Doom Performative, explores queer and feminist performance practices. Shvarts is a practicing artist and her work has appeared at MoMA PS1 and the Tate Modern. Her writing has appeared in TDR: The Drama Review, Extensions: The Online Journal of Embodiment and Technology, Women & Performance: a journal of feminist theory, and The Brooklyn Rail.
FM assistive listening devices with headsets or neck loops are available for public and private gallery tours and public programs. You may request receivers for tours at the Mobile Guide counter at the admissions desk on Floor 1.
Learn more about access services and amenities.


text: Rental options (size of party): 6 10 Weekly prices From {{ currencymap[currency].symbol }} {{ getProductFormattedMinPrice(productId, currency) }} to {{ currencymap[currency].symbol }} {{ product.prices[currency].max }} Max. occupancy 10 persons Sleeping: {{property.products[productId].adults}} - Bedrooms: {{property.products[productId].bedrooms}} - Bathrooms: {{property.products[productId].bathrooms}} Air Conditioned Bedrooms Internet Connection Private Pool Overview Photo Gallery Click on any photo to enter the gallery View more photos View less photos View more photos View less photos View more photos View less photos Description Accommodation Accommodation Umbria in autumn? Bellissima! Fewer people, lower prices and villa Segreto Gelsomino Umbrian adventures and holidaying at the end of summer pays off, with quitter streets but still warm and wonderful. Read more A relaxing break in a luxury villa, nestled in a quiet corner of Italy Take a tour of Segreto Gelsomino and the medieval town of Orvieto in the heart of the Umbrian countryside. Read more Map The closest village is Canale, 5.2 km / 3 miles, which has a single shop, bar/coffee shop and butchers. The nearby Orvieto Scalo, 7km/4 miles, is home to a wide selection of shops, bars and restaurants including a small shopping Mall with a hypermarket sized supermarket. Medieval Orvieto, 10km/6 miles, boasts a wide selection of shops and restaurants. Orvieto is a beautiful hilltop city sitting on a volcanic rock as the defensive walls, the narrow cobbled streets form an amazing labyrinth to explore at whim. Todi can be reached in under an hour, Siena, Assisi and Rome about 1 hour 30 minutes'. Getting There Airports nearby: Airports: Florence, 182km/113 miles; Roma, 153km/95 miles. By Car: Motorway/Superstrada exit: Orvieto Scalo about 9km/6 miles along paved roads to the property's short private white access road. By Train: Railway station: at Orvieto, 8km/5 miles. Parking for 6 cars. Prices & Live availability {{ property.products[productId].isSpecialProduct ? property.products[productId].name : property.name }} Check in 6-8pm. Check out by 9am. Rental options (Size of the party): {{ property.products[productId].adults }} Currency: € EUR $ USD £ GBP € EUR $ USD £ GBP Year: {{ year }} Previous months Next months Booked Available Previous months Previous months Next months {{ month }} {{month.name}} {{month.year}} {{ week.from }} to {{ week.to }} {{ week.legend }} AVAILABILITY AND PRICES ON DEMAND € {{ week.price.eur }} $ {{ week.price.usd }} £ {{ week.price.gbp }} per week Next months Previous months Next months Booked Available Check in 6-8pm. Check out by 9am. NB. are available for parties of different sizes and priced accordingly - select your option above. For smaller parties, the unoccupied rooms or guest houses simply remain empty or are closed and you will always have exclusive use of the villa and pool. Prices in £, $ and € are guaranteed Pay for your rental in € (EURO), £ (UK) or $ (US)* Prices are set and guaranteed upon booking No booking or credit card fees No surcharges for currency fluctuations Exchange rates updated regularly *Your choice of currency cannot be changed after the deposit has been paid. Live availability & exclusivity All villas listed are exclusive to TN&M Live availability calendar for every villa Experienced sales staff who know the villas personally We are very, very good at helping our guests choose a property to match their criteria, and we are happy to discuss any aspect of the trip, be it detailed information about the villas and their locations or general tips about travel in Italy. Price lists Booking Conditions What's included and not included in your rental charge Your rental might include some Staff & Services. Our free Concierge can help add-on any extras you require: Included Weekly rent.Services included (1).Credit card service charges.Hot and cold tap water.Garden and swimming pool maintenance.VATTN&M Concierge Service24/7 Emergency Service Not included Telephone (outgoing phone calls).Flights and car rental.Travel insurance.Transfers to/from airports.Extra services available on request.Use of swimming pool out of season.Tourist tax. Bed linen(2)Bath towels(2)Swimming towels(2) Facilities and utilities {{ service.name }}: (1) Please note that, when included in the price, maid service does not include laundry service. If you require any laundry services please advise us prior to your arrival at the villa, payable locally in Euros. Verified reviews by FEEFO A live feed of reviews collected independently from our clients by Feefo service comment I'm back in the office today, after the most gorgeous week in the Tuscany Now and More Segreto Gelsomino villa- everything was perfect for us! I can't thank you enough for arranging and the Tuscany Now and More hospitality was amazing from the second we arrived and met Cristina! 16-Sep-2017 Ms Kate Fielder United Kingdom Read more Reviews These are collected from the feedback forms we send to all our clients. Excellent property in the most beautiful surroundings. Everything on hand, plenty of diversions on the property...table tennis, pool, equipment to play cricket, football, rugby. The swimming pool is unbelievable Booking the property was seamless and Tuscany Now & More were very efficient. The property manager, Cristina, is excellent, responding to queries very promptly. 20-Jul-2019 Mrs Trudy Stebbings United Kingdom The location of Villa Segreto Gelsomino is amazing. So peaceful and so beautiful. The villa is equipped with everything you could possibly need for a relaxing holiday. The standard in the villa is excellent. Excellent service and we will book with Tuscany Now & More again if all villas are of this standard. 08-Jun-2019 Mrs Julie Maddison United Kingdom From pool aerobics classes to water races of varying stupidity, we all made great use of the fantastic swimming pool and tried to use every piece of equipment available. Later on in the evenings we had many great dinners in the garden and made full use of the pizza area - with amazing results. Great location meant that there was always a breeze to counter act the heat and the rooms stayed nice and cool. Thank you! 28-Jul-2018 Mr Ivan Mainprize United Kingdom We all loved the stay in this amazing villa. It was hard to leave but we will keep lots of great memories. Eating and making fresh pizza while having ice cream beside the pool. We hope to come back soon! 23-Jun-2018 Mr James MacQueen Canada We had a perfect family holiday with three generations. The renovation of the house is a real success, beautiful, functional, and extraordinary. Kids loved the pool area, well, adults too. We enjoyed cooking and eating Italian style. Peaceful and relaxing week. Thank you! 09-Jun-2018 Ms Sohvi Haavasoja Finland The view is truly spectacular. The house is beautifully renovated and tastefully designed. Access is very easy, close to the autostrada, all paved roads, yet the villa is totally quiet and secluded. The infinity pool is very nice. The owner himself was very helpful and responsive. 24-Jun-2017 Mr Raphael Che United States We can't imagine a more perfect place for 5 couples to spend a week together in Umbria! The house, pool and grounds are even better than depicted in the brochure! A great location from which to explore other towns in Umbria and Tuscany. 10-Jun-2017 Ms Carol Kabel United States Read more Services {{ category.cat1 }} {{ service.name }} Services available on demand These services are organized by our concierge team not by the owner/manager. N.B.: Please note that prices and availability for the following services are subject to change and should be paid locally and directly to the supplier of the single service required. . {{ extra.title }} Maid service available & organised by TN&M concierge service. Cook service available & organised by TN&M concierge service. Shopping list service available & organised by TN&M concierge service. Other services available & organised by TN&M concierge services. Sample menus can be obtained by contacting Concierge Services They do request that you pre arrange your meals prior to your arrival by contacting Concierge Services and advise us accordingly. Remember that if any members have any allergies or food intolerances, you must advise us and of course if you have any personal preferences. Free Brochure 2020 New and free 160 page brochure with stunning photographs of our specially selected properties and some of our fantastic experiences. Request our free brochure Can we help? Call us on +44 207 684 8884 or Send us an email Experiences We promised you "&More"... Our handpicked experiences show you a side of Italy that stays hidden from most visitors. TN&M's expert travel concierges work with Florence-based Taols to create customised tours and activities for two up to twenty guests. From food and wine to foraging, Florence's markets and artisans, or a guided road-trip by Fiat 500, we've got it covered. How about these three below? Play a Round of Golf with a Pro Wherever you are in Tuscany or Umbria, there is a great golf course nearby. On this experience, you will learn from and play a full round (you decide where) with Alessandro Resseguier, a golf professional and certified member of the Italian Gold Federation. Pick from championship links, parkland and mountain courses; recent PGA Tour Italian Open venues; or the 2022 Ryder Cup host course. Pitti Palace & Boboli Discover the legacy of Italian paintings, sculpture, jewellery and other luxurious pieces at the Pitti Palace. Our tour introduces you to one of the largest museums in Florence with both classical and modern art, including the world-renowned Palatine Gallery. The Boboli gardens are known for their beauty and make for a perfect day out for families with children. Uffizi & Florentine Squares Explore the legacy of Italian art with one of the most famous art galleries in the world, The Uffizi Gallery. Hosting a collection of famous artworks, the building itself is a 16th century landmark not to miss. Our tour provides an expert guide to escort you through the gallery; bringing the history behind the artworks on display to life. Your visit will conclude with an authentic Italian coffee while you take a stroll through one of Florence's most distinguishing features; the Florentine squares. View all Need help? Ask our Concierge Service at +44 20 7684 8884 or by e-mail Who in our team has stayed or visited this villa Simon Barbara Sean Cristina Cristina D.P.


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*Call For Papers*
*Special Issue on "Big Data in Ubiquitous Computing"*
*IEEE Transaction on Big Data*
*Scope and Aims*
With the continuous expansion of ubiquitous sensors, devices, networks and
Internet of Things, all kinds of data become widely available and large in
amount. Generation of huge amounts of data, called big data, reflects the
dynamics of physical world and can be the basis for ubiquitous
intelligence. Big data in ubiquitous intelligence scenarios exhibit some
specific characteristics, like multi-source, heterogeneous, large-scale,
real-time streaming, continuous, ever-expanding and spatial-temporal.
Traditional ubiquitous computing approaches or systems began to show their
limitations. It is difficult to manage and utilize all kinds of big data to
accelerate ubiquitous intelligence in real-world. We believe that we need a
new way for ubiquitous intelligence and computing where big data is
immensely involved, especially for the data trace collected from ambient
sensors, wearable, social media and so on. Intensive research is required
on the collaboration between big data and ubiquitous computing. This
special issue, as a dedicated forum, aims for the scientific and industrial
community to present their novel models, methodologies, techniques and
solutions which can address theoretical and practical issues.
*Topics of Interest*
· We invite authors from academia and industry to submit their
original research as well as review articles to present latest progresses
for current development or future goals in this field.
· Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
· Basic theory of big data and ubiquitous computing l System
architecture and infrastructure of big data and ubiquitous computing:
including computing architecture, cloud computing technology and platform,
edge computing technology and platform
· Big data acquisition and pre-processing in ubiquitous computing
· Storage management models, techniques and systems for big data in
· Computing
· Methods and algorithms for ubiquitous intelligent and ubiquitous
computing: including machine learning, data mining, social network
analysis, web mining and retrieval, business intelligence, ranking and
recommendation, ontology-based storage management and analytical mining of
large-scale semantic data, virtualized analysis and computation, etc.
· Parallel computation models, frameworks and systems for big data:
including models, frameworks and systems of MapReduce, stream computing,
hybrid parallel computation and programming
· Privacy and security of big data and ubiquitous computing
· System solutions and tool platform for big data and ubiquitous
· Industrial Applications of Big data and ubiquitous computing
*Special Issue Editors*
· Jianwu Wang, University of Maryland, Baltimore County,
[log in to unmask],
· Nirmalya Roy, University of Maryland, Baltimore County,
[log in to unmask],
· Zhuofeng Zhao, North China University of Technology,
[log in to unmask],
· Stephen Intille, Northeastern University,
[log in to unmask],
*Important Dates*
• Manuscript Submission Deadline: September 1st, 2017
• First Round Decisions: November 15th, 2017
• Revision After First Round if needed: December 30th, 2017
• Second Round Decisions: February 28th, 2018
• Final Manuscript: March 30th, 2018
*Paper Submission Guidelines*
This issue will contain papers directly submitted from the wider research
community along with selected papers from the 14th IEEE International
Conference on Ubiquitous Intelligence and Computing (UIC 2017,
http://ieee-smartworld.org/2017/uic/). Papers selected from UIC will be
substantially extended with at least 30% difference from its conference
version. All submissions will go through a two-round peer-review process by
at least three international researchers.
Before submitting your manuscript, please ensure you have carefully read
the Instructions for Authors for IEEE Transactions on Big Data (TBD). The
complete manuscript should be submitted through TBDs submission system. To
ensure that you submit to the correct special issue, please select the
appropriate section in the dropdown menu upon submission. In your cover
letter, please also clearly mention the title of the SI.
*More Information*
The main website of the special issue is at http://userpages.umbc.edu/~jia
nwu/TBD-BDUC-2017/. The Call For Paper (CFP) information can also be found
from the IEEE Transaction on Big Data web site at
For news of CHI books, courses & software, join CHI-RESOURCES
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For further details of CHI lists see http://listserv.acm.org


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Beatrix Potter recipe book up for sale
Beatrix Potter recipe book up for sale
An astonishing collection of Beatrix Potter possessions are to be auctioned at Mullocks Auctioneers on September 27th.
The collection includes a 161 year old family recipe book, handed down through generations of Potter's husband's family the Heelises and contributed to by several people. The book includes hand-written recipes for sponge cake, ginger bread, roast turkey, marmalade and curry.
It also contains a few financial pages, historical notes, and even some verses. Entries are dated from 1851, but many have been made in later hands, including those of Beatrix Potter's herself. The guide price is just £200-£400.
The book was discovered among an array of ephemera relating to the Tale of Peter Rabbit author and her husband William Heelis, other items of which shall also be offered by Mullocks. A photograph of Heelis from 1910 at a Lakeland shooting party, never before seen, was taken three years before his marriage to Beatrix. Other items include Heelis family legal documents, financial ledgers, a notebook and a Gaelic New Testament.
Many of Potter's possessions were sold off at a sale in 1954. This collection comes from the personal effects of her husband, coming with him into the home he and Beatrix made together. The cookery book was likely used often in their day to day lives.
Beatrix Potter remains one of the world's most adored and famous children's authors. First edition of her books and original illustrations sell for tens of thousands, sometimes even hundreds of thousands at auction.
The bookmarklet lets you save things you find to your collections.
Note: Make sure your bookmarks are visible.
Click and drag the Collect It button to your browser's Bookmark Bar.


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Enjoy the flexibility to pay over time. Learn more about financing here.
Not only are Lock-n-Load inserts glueless, they are also indexable and self-centering! Weighing 92 grains, this brass insert is made to AMO industry standards and will work with any broadhead, fixed blades or mechanicals. The Lock-n-Load insert has been extensively tested with field points and broadheads by CAMX in both bag and foam block targets.
LOCK-N-LOAD® is a registered trademark of Clean-Shot® Archery
Powered by: Nock Out® Technology
Patent #9,719,544 other patents pending


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EMA Releases Core Curriculum Model for Envelope Industry
- Published: August 21, 2007, By pffc-online.com
ALEXANDRIA, VA—After 18 months of research, the Envelope Mfrs. Assn. (EMA) has released the Envelope Manufacturers Core Curriculum Model. This manual covers the basic job skills needed and job descriptions for various positions within an envelope facility, from vice president of sales to material handler. It also covers the recommended curriculum for those positions. See envelope.org.


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Georgia guard Anthony Edwards announced on Friday that he is leaving school to declare for the NBA draft. He will be a candidate for the No. 1 pick.
He made the announcement on Twitter.
March 20, 2020
The book on Edwards
Edwards, 18, averaged 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 40.2 percent from the field and 29.4 percent from 3-point distance as a freshman. Georgia finished 11-21 in his lone season in Athens.
While his shooting will need to improve at the next level, scouts laud him for his elite athleticism, ability to get his own shot and potential as a defender. A 6-5, 225-pound shooting guard, Edwards is explosive at the rim, and scouts predict his athleticism and mechanics will translate into success as a shooter in the NBA.
Other potential No. 1 picks
There is no consensus No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. Former Memphis center James Wiseman, who left school after NCAA recruiting violations surfaced, and guard LaMelo Ball are also candidates for the top pick.
Ball, the brother of New Orleans Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball, opted to skip college and most recently played for the Illawarra Hawks in Australia's National Basketball League.
Dayton forward and likely NCAA National Player of the Year Obi Toppin has shot up draft boards as an expected lottery pick, but falls out of the top three picks in most projections.
More from Yahoo Sports:


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The Golden Globes has its requisite number of luncheons, where nominees can commingle with fellow nominees, nosh lightly on the catering, and maybe enjoy a cocktail or two to ease pre-awards jitters. And they're plenty fun. But leave it to the Brits to put these lunch parties to shame by importing that English-style gathering, the tea party, to LA.
On Saturday, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts held its annual Awards Season Tea Party at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, inviting Englishmen and locals alike to indulge in Earl Grey, cucumber sandwiches and champagne by the hotel's courtyard. A classic red London phone booth greeted attendees at the entrance, and — because our good friends at Jaguar sponsored the event — a Jaguar F-TYPE with a Union Jack paint job was parked outside. We did some damage with that particular car in Miami, if you recall.
Among the luminaries who hail from across the pond, Benedict Cumberbatch arrived to a horde of screaming fans who looked like they were about to faint when they caught glance of him. British-born Chiwetel Ejiofor chatted with his 12 Years a Slave director, Steve McQueen, a fellow countryman. On the other side of the scones, Tom Hanks and Martin Scorsese came to temper all that British brooding. Hanks joshed with his publicist as Scorsese held court on one side of the ballroom, greeting supplicants such as Cate Blanchett and Sandra Bullock. We managed to say hello to the great director before he was whisked from the room, off to another event.
Full of bubbly, English Breakfast, and mini beef Wellington, we met a friend at the Roosevelt Hotel for a drink, slipped Clark Kent-like into a restroom, and emerged in a tuxedo. It never hurts to traipse around Los Angeles in a black tie, but in fact we had an engagement, The Art of Elysium Heaven Gala, where amid performances and speeches, we ran into Johnny Depp in his trademark tan fedora. The classic bad boy has apparently been tamed: he told us he had come because his girlfriend, Amber Heard, is involved with the charity.
The tuxedo didn't serve us well at the last stop, the opening of the Ace Hotel. Instead of glam movie stars in gowns with long trains, the crowd was art-conscious and dressed down. The Ace is in the heart of downtown, a watering hole of hip not far from the bling-heavy stretches north, in Hollywood. The ancient theater, refurbished for the hotel, uncannily recalled Club Silencio, the eerie theater in Mullholland Drive.
And then, still in a tuxedo, we indulged in that tried and true LA tradition: the hotel party. The debauchery went late.
The next day brought the Golden Globes, which took over the Beverly Hilton, and so we dutifully put back on the monkey suit, zipped through West Hollywood, braved the lines and paparazzi and security and headed straight to the HBO party, where amid seemingly every celebrity on the planet, we knocked into Mads Mikkelson, he of Bond villain infamy, the man we were in the Chateau Marmont elevator days earlier, looking again as devious as his onscreen counterpart, Le Chiffre. Hopefully it was just a coincidence.
[Photo credit: Getty.]
Nate Freeman is the Editor-in-Chief of Good to be Bad. His writing has been published in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Observer.


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In dental school, you're taught all you need to become a successful dentist—but what you don't learn is how to effectively handle your dental school debt. According to a recent survey of dental school seniors by the American Student Dental Association, the typical dental school graduate enters the profession with a student loan burden topping $260,000. That's $70,000 more than the average medical school graduate, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Right when dentists are ready to hit go on their careers, the reality of repayment presents a hurdle.
The good news, of course, is that you've picked the right profession when it comes to ROEd—the "return on education" you should reap down the road. As a dentist you can expect to earn nearly $7 million over the course of your career, even after repaying all your student loans. So sure, your education was ridiculously expensive—but you'll likely make that money back, and more.
Still, first things first. At this stage of the game, it's important to have a plan in place for paying down your debt as efficiently as possible. Getting your finances in order early is especially critical if you anticipate borrowing more money down the road, whether to open your own practice or even to buy a house. Here's a review of the various student loan payment options available—and how to know which one makes the most sense for you.
Student Loan Refinancing
For many dental school grads, consolidating a number of student loans into a single loan, and then refinancing the balance at a lower interest rate is the best choice. Consolidation makes it easier to manage your finances: You'll get one bill each month from a single lender, instead of several bills for varying amounts that are based on different rates.
There are other benefits to loan refinancing, too. Depending on how you structure your loan, the lower interest rate might allow you to pay back your debt faster—and save a substantial amount of money over the life of the loan. You could also choose a term that lowers your monthly payments, leaving more money in your pocket to be used for other things, including building an emergency fund, preparing for your first child, and investing for retirement.
One decision you'll have to make if you refinance is whether your new loan should have a fixed or variable rate. With a fixed-rate loan, the interest rate stays the same for the life of the loan—which means you'll pay the same monthly amount until your loan is paid off. With a variable-rate loan, the interest rate you pay on your loan will depend on the rate banks charge to borrow from one another. That rate changes month to month, so you can expect that your payments will change each month too. Borrowers who take out variable-rate loans often start out at a lower rate than they would have with a fixed-rate loan, but they can't be certain that rate won't rise in the future.
Income-Driven Repayment Plans and Loan Forgiveness
If you have federal student loans and your credit history prevents you from refinancing, an alternative is to apply for an income-driven repayment plan. The federal government offers four such plans, each with its own eligibility requirements, but they all set your monthly loan payment at an amount deemed affordable based on your income.
If you qualify for the so-called income-based repayment plan, for example, your monthly payment will be limited to 10% or 15% of your discretionary income, depending on the date you first borrowed for school. The repayment period for this plan—and the three others—ranges between 20 and 25 years, and any remaining loan balance after that term is up is automatically forgiven.
That sounds great, until you consider this: There's a chance you'll pay back your loan in full before those 25 years are up. In addition, the interest you'll pay over the life of that loan may be higher than it would have been had you refinanced over a shorter term. And, even if you do have a remaining balance when the plan ends, the forgiven amount may be considered taxable income under Internal Revenue Service rules. The math might work out in your favor, but it's worth a close look before you commit.
There is another path to dental school loan forgiveness—if you start your career at an eligible nonprofit or public service agency. Work for a local, state, tribal, or federal government organization, or for a nonprofit organization offering public-sector services, and you might be eligible for loan forgiveness after just 10 years in an income-driven repayment plan. Even better, you won't owe federal taxes on your remaining balance. There are also a number of national (including military) and state loan-repayment assistance programs that reward dentists for providing service to certain segments of the population. The Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program, for that example, offers dentists who serve American Indian communities $20,000 per year toward the repayment of school loans.
The Choice Is Yours
Should you consider refinancing, remember this: SoFi dentist members who refinance their student loans save an average of more than $59,000. Add to that the fact that when you refinance with SoFi there are no origination fees and no prepayment penalties, you could potentially be saving quite a bit of money.
No matter how you decide to tackle your dental school debt, remember you're only at the beginning of your career. Before long, your student loans will be a thing of the past—just a hurdle you had to clear so you could follow your dreams.
Article originally appeared in April 2017 on the SoFi Blog. SoFi is a CDA Endorsed Product that brings members the opportunity to save money on their student loan debt by refinancing through SoFi.com/CoDA. Members and their families who refinance their student or Parent PLUS loans through SoFi.com/CoDA are eligible to receive a $500 welcome bonus upon refinancing.
Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. To qualify, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident in an eligible state and meet SoFi's underwriting requirements. Not all borrowers receive the lowest rate. To qualify for the lowest rate, you must have a responsible financial history and meet other conditions. If approved, your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on a variety of factors, including term of loan, a responsible financial history, years of experience, income and other factors. Rates and Terms are subject to change at anytime without notice and are subject to state restrictions. SoFi refinance loans are private loans and do not have the same repayment options that the federal loan program offers such as Income Based Repayment or Income Contingent Repayment or PAYE. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Finance Lender Law License No. 6054612. SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Lending Corp., NMLS # 1121636. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)(1) Payment will be issued electronically once you become a SoFi borrower; you have submitted a completed application with documents and your loan has been disbursed. Offer good for new customers only.


text: Freddie (Steve) from West Calder (Edinburgh) After losing my previous dog I visited West Calder just to see doggies. They just happened to have taken in puppies. All named after the Olympic rowers, my gorgeous boy was the only one left. A pure charmer who can work those big brown eyes on anyone.


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Dr Pete Benny was one of the founders of fertility services in Canterbury and has returned home from Australia to become Medical Director of Genea Oxford Fertility. Pete brings the experience of more than 30 years of treating people with infertility to every consultation. His interests in fertility and reproductive medicine are broad and he has extensive experience in surgical conditions associated with infertility management, hormonal aspects of ovarian responsiveness and reserve as well as factors including nutrition and environment that impact on male and female fertility.
While newly appointed as Medical Director of Genea Oxford Fertility and recently returned from Australia, Pete's connection to New Zealand stretches back to his childhood and he began his medical career in Christchurch.
Pete studied medicine at the University of Otago and trained in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Christchurch NZ and Leicester UK. He returned to New Zealand in 1981 and practiced first in Wellington and then Christchurch as an obstetrician and gynaecologist while also holding a number of roles in Canterbury's burgeoning fertility services. These included Clinical Director of Canterbury District Health Board's IVF Unit until 1993; Medical Director of Healthlink South's IVF service until 1996; Medical Director of The Fertility Centre until 2008 and Medical Director of Repromed Christchurch (now Fertility Associates) until 2010.
He has a subspecialist Certificate in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (CREI) from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).
More recently in Australia, Pete has served as the Medical Director of Monash IVF NSW and an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney.
Pete is a Member of the Fertility Society of Australia, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.
As well as helping Genea Oxford Fertility provide the very best care and treatment for people wanting to grow their families, Pete will be involved in training new fertility specialists to work at the clinic.
Genea Fertility has legal obligations to protect your personal information and to provide you with details about how we deal with this information. Please read our Privacy Policy and Collection Statement.