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How to apply for the SEG, supplier by supplier

Step-by-step help applying for the Smart Export Guarantee, with links to each energy supplier's own application page.

This guide takes you through applying for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), and links to each supplier's own application page. If you haven't read it yet, start with The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) to check you're eligible.

Step 1: Gather your documents

Open your handover pack and download:

  • Your MCS certificate.
  • Your DNO notification or approval (G98 or G99), and the network operator's reply if there is one. Some suppliers, such as E.ON Next, ask for the operator's acceptance, not just the form.

Also have ready:

  • Your latest electricity bill, showing your import MPAN (13 digits, usually labelled "MPAN" or "Supply number").
  • A clear photo of your electricity meter, showing its serial number and the current export reading. Smart meter displays usually have a separate screen for export. See Taking an export meter reading, or check your meter's guide.
  • Your bank details.
  • If you have a battery, your battery's make and model. Some suppliers also ask for a diagram of the system. Your schematic diagram is in your handover pack.

Step 2: Make sure your smart meter is working

Your meter must send half-hourly readings to your supplier. Most newer smart meters (SMETS2) do this. Some older ones (SMETS1) don't.

Step 3: Choose a supplier and apply

Pick a supplier from the list below and follow its link. Most applications are an online form that takes 10 to 15 minutes. Some suppliers only offer an export tariff if you also buy your electricity from them. Where that's the case, you'll need to switch your supply to them first.

Step 4: Wait for your export MPAN

If you haven't had an export tariff before, you'll need an export MPAN. Ask the energy supplier you're applying to for one; they arrange it with your network operator. It usually takes 1 to 4 weeks. Keep an eye on your email in case they ask for more information.

Step 5: Send a meter reading and start getting paid

Once your tariff is set up, the supplier will confirm your start date and may ask for an opening export reading. After that, readings come through your smart meter automatically. Depending on the supplier, you're paid monthly, quarterly or once a year, either into your bank account or as credit on your energy account.

Suppliers and their application pages

These are the suppliers that offer the SEG under Ofgem's rules, plus a few others that offer their own export tariffs. Tariff names and rules change, so check the supplier's page for current details. Ofgem keeps the full list of SEG suppliers.

Octopus Energy

  • Tariffs: Outgoing Octopus, plus Agile and Prime Outgoing Octopus.
  • You need to buy your electricity from Octopus first. Then apply from the Outgoing page.
  • Asks for: MCS certificate, DNO notification and the operator's reply.
  • Paid as credit on your monthly statement. Also covers former Co-op Energy and Shell Energy customers, who are now with Octopus.
  • Help: Outgoing Octopus FAQs

British Gas

  • Apply using the British Gas export application form.
  • Export SEG is open to anyone. Its higher-paying tariff is for British Gas electricity customers.
  • Asks for: MCS certificate, G98 or G99 confirmation, bank details.
  • Paid every 3 months. Set-up can take up to 4 weeks.
  • Questions: smartexportguarantee@britishgas.co.uk or 0333 202 9483.

EDF

  • Apply using the EDF SEG application form.
  • One tariff is open to anyone. Better rates are for EDF electricity customers. Check which tariffs are currently open on EDF's page.
  • Asks for: MCS certificate, an electricity bill (if you're not with EDF), bank details, proof you own the property, and a photo of your export meter reading.
  • Paid quarterly.

E.ON Next

  • Apply using the E.ON Next SEG application form.
  • Next Flex Export is open to anyone. Next Export Exclusive needs you to buy electricity from E.ON Next (not on a time-of-use tariff such as Next Drive).
  • Asks for: MCS certificate, proof of address, a photo of your export meter (serial number, make and reading), the DNO's acceptance letter, and a diagram if you have a battery.
  • Usually paid once a year, or up to 4 times a year on request. Sainsbury's Energy customers apply through E.ON Next.

OVO

  • Apply using OVO's SEG application form.
  • A tariff is open to anyone. A better-paying exclusive tariff is for OVO electricity customers, using the exclusive tariff form.
  • Asks for: MCS certificate, and a diagram if you have a battery.
  • Set-up takes around 4 weeks.

ScottishPower

  • Apply using the ScottishPower SEG application form.
  • SmartGen is open to anyone. SmartGen Premium is for ScottishPower electricity customers.
  • Asks for: MCS certificate, proof you own the property, photos of your meters, and preferably your DNO letter.
  • Paid from the date you apply. Set-up can take up to 6 weeks.

So Energy

  • Apply using the So Energy SEG registration form.
  • So Export Flex is open to anyone. You don't need to buy your electricity from So Energy.
  • Asks for: MCS certificate, your G98 or G99 form and the operator's reply, proof you own the property.

Utility Warehouse

  • Apply from the link on Utility Warehouse's SEG page.
  • UW SEG Standard is open to anyone. UW SEG Bundle is for customers who take UW energy and other UW services.
  • Doesn't pay for battery energy that was charged from the grid.

Utilita

  • See the SEG section of Utilita's schemes page. If the application form link doesn't work, contact Utilita and ask them to send it.
  • Open to anyone. Asks for: MCS certificate, proof of ID and ownership, and a photo of your first export reading.

Fuse Energy

  • Apply in the Fuse app, or contact Fuse through its chat or support@fuseenergy.com.
  • Open to anyone. Asks for: MCS certificate and your G98 or G99 approval. Paid monthly as account credit.

Export tariffs outside the SEG

These suppliers aren't part of the SEG scheme, but offer their own export tariffs.

Good Energy

  • Solar Savings. For Good Energy electricity customers with a smart meter.
  • New customers can join here.

Ecotricity

  • Smart Export Tariff. For Ecotricity electricity customers.
  • Apply with the Ecotricity export sign-up form.
  • Asks for: proof of ownership, MCS certificate, G98 or G99 form. Paid quarterly.

Outfox the Market

  • Outfox Export. You don't need to buy your electricity from Outfox.
  • Download the Outfox application form and email it with your documents to hello@outfox.energy.

Common questions

Can I change export supplier later?

Yes. You can only have one export tariff at a time, but you can switch, just as you can switch electricity supplier. Check for exit fees on fixed tariffs.

Will I be paid for what I exported before my tariff started?

Usually not. Most suppliers pay from the date you apply or the date your tariff starts, so apply as soon as your MCS certificate arrives.

My application was rejected because a document was missing

Check your handover pack, which has your certificates, DNO paperwork and schematic diagram. If something you need isn't there, contact us.

I'm unhappy with how my supplier has handled my application

Complain to the supplier first. If it isn't sorted after 8 weeks, you can take it to the Energy Ombudsman.