Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Tariff Comparison

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) was brought in on 1st January 2020, and obliges various energy companies (SEG Licensees) to purchase surplus energy generated by eligible small scale low carbon generators (SEG Generators).

To be eligible to receive SEG payments, SEG Generators must ensure that their installation is certified by MCS or equivalent, the electricity export must be metered (usually using a second generation smart meter) and the installation must have an export MPAN (a 13 digit reference used to identify every
electricity connection point in the country). Your installer will know about this.

Every year, OfGem updates their SEG Licensee list. We have compiled a list of the available rates and links to them – so you don’t have to!

Note, it is tempting to reach for the highest rate when choosing a tariff. However, it is important not just to look at this figure when making a decision. There are other factors which might affect the attractiveness of the tariff. Including:

• The length of the contract
• Whether the rate is fixed or variable
• The regularity of the payments
• Whether payments cover power exported from battery storage
• If there is a standing charge payable

Note, if you own one or more Tesla Powerwall batteries and have an MCS certified solar PV system, you may be eligible to join the Tesla/Octopus Energy Plan. This scheme enables participants to access 24p-26p import and export rates (depending on your location). On this tariff, your house will automatically become part of Tesla’s virtual power plant. Meaning that the solar you generate will power your home, with any surplus stored in the Powerwall batteries or exported to the grid. This will all be done automatically by Tesla’s smart energy management software, which decides when the energy across the Tesla energy network gets stored or sold to the grid. This ensures that the solar energy is sold during peak times, when there is more demand for power, reducing the need for electricity derived from fossil fuels.

The Powerwall battery system will continue to power homes when the sun isn’t shining, or during a power cut. The activity of the system can be monitored through the Tesla app.