Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

The SEG launched on 1 January 2020 and is a government-backed initiative. The SEG requires some electricity suppliers, known as SEG Licensees, to pay small-scale generators, known as SEG Generators, for low-carbon electricity which they export back to the National Grid, providing certain criteria are met. 

Who is the scheme for? 

• anyone with an installation of one of the following technology types up to a capacity of 5MW, or up to 50kW for micro-CHP. 
• solar photovoltaic (solar PV) 
• wind 
• micro combined heat and power (micro-CHP) 
• hydro 
• anaerobic digestion (AD) 

 Installations must be located in Great Britain and meet the applicable eligibility criteria.

How does the scheme work? 

SEG Licensees determine the rate, contract length and other terms which SEG Generators will receive. SEG tariff rates must always be above zero. SEG payments are calculated by using export meter readings. SEG Generators are paid by their chosen SEG Licensee for the electricity which they export back to the National Grid.

Generators thinking of applying for a SEG tariff should shop around to see which tariff is best for their individual circumstances. Our page for Generators has more information on how to apply and the specific eligibility criteria. You can also find the list of current SEG Licensees, which we publish annually.