Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) enables small-scale generators to receive payments from electricity suppliers for electricity which they export back to the National Grid, providing certain criteria are met. 

How do I apply and what will I receive? 

All generators who wish to receive payment for the electricity which they export back to the National Grid will need to apply to a SEG licensee (an electricity supplier which offers a SEG tariff). SEG licensees must offer a SEG tariff to all eligible generators. 

Each SEG licensee will have details of their specific application process on their website. Details of SEG payments (including amount due and contract length) will be determined by your chosen SEG licensee. Any SEG tariff offered must always remain above zero. Generators are also entitled to payments based upon actual meter readings, even if some suppliers offer deals with alternative payment models. 

You can apply for a SEG tariff with any SEG licensee – your SEG licensee does not need to be the same company as your current energy supplier. You can choose to use separate companies for your SEG payments, electricity supply, and your gas supply if you wish. 

Which technologies are eligible for the SEG? 

There are five eligible low-carbon technology types for the SEG. If you have one of these installed, you may be able to benefit from the SEG: 

• Solar photovoltaic (solar PV) 
• Wind 
• Micro combined heat and power (micro-CHP) 
• Hydro 
• Anaerobic digestion (AD) 

These installations must be located in Great Britain and have a total installed capacity (TIC) of no more than 5MW, or no more than 50kW for micro-CHP.

Further details on the SEG and its eligibility requirements, including how to apply, can be found in the SEG: Guidance for Generators. 

We advise generators to shop around to find the best SEG tariff for them. Visit the current list of SEG Licensees to see which suppliers offer a SEG tariff.