Smart Export Guarantee

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The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK government scheme designed to pay small-scale producers of renewable electricity for the excess energy they export back to the national grid. The Smart Export Guarantee replaces the previous Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme.

 

How does it work

Your appliances consume renewable energy produced in your home as they use electricity, as soon as it is produced. Any excess energy that is not being produced is exported to the national grid. If you sign up for the SEG scheme, you will be paid for the energy that is exported.

You can sign up to a SEG contract with any supplier; it does not need to be your energy supplier who provides you with gas and electricity. Suppliers will offer different prices for the energy you export, so you can shop around for the best rates.

Payments aren’t automatic; you must apply for the SEG before you will be paid for the energy you produce.

 

Eligibility

To be eligible for SEG payments, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must have an eligible renewable technology installation with a capacity of no greater than 5MWs
    • Solar photovoltaic (Solar PV)
    • Wind
    • Hydro
    • Micro combined heat and power (micro-CHP can have a capacity up to 50MWs)
    • Anaerobic digestion
  • You must have a smart meter capable of half-hourly readings
  • Your installation must be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or a similar
  • If you have already received a Feed-in Tariff, you cannot receive a SEG payment

 

How to apply

You must find a participating energy supplier offering a SEG tariff. You can check out the OFGEM list of SEG licensees to help you with your search.

Once you have chosen your preferred supplier you will apply through their application method, either online or by phone.

Your supplier will work in the background with the Distribution Network Operation (DNO) to create a Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) to allow you to export your energy to the grid and monitor this output. Please note this can take up to a few weeks.

Once you have your export meter in place your supplier will begin making payments to you for the energy you export.

 

Finding the best deal

Like when choosing an energy supplier, you should shop around to find the best deal for you.

Which? have a guide on choosing the best SEG tariff we would recommend researching before making your choice.

 

Get Advice

Would you like more information or advice on renewable energy and how it may benefit you and your home? Contact our Energy Advisors for free and impartial advice.

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