Updated on 16/09/25 by Abby_OVO
SEG - Smart Export Guarantee - Your FAQs
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) gives micro-generators (such as homes with solar panels) the chance to earn money for every kWh of energy they export to the national grid. This replaces the Feed in Tariff (FIT), which was closed to new applicants in 2019. The key difference between the FIT scheme and SEG that generator are only paid for the energy they export on SEG rather than the energy they generate as well, as they were with FIT.
Who can sign up to the SEG tariff?
Generators (or homeowners) who own one of the following technology systems; anaerobic digestion, hydro, micro-combined heat and power (with an electrical capacity of 50kW or less), onshore wind, and solar photovoltaic exporters with up to 5MW. In order to apply for SEG you mustn’t be receiving FIT export payments, however your FIT generation payments can be continued if even if your export payments are relinquished.
How much can I be paid via SEG from OVO?
The SEG tariff is decided by supplier so unlike FIT this may differ between suppliers. Here are the details of the current standard OVO SEG payments:
| Name of Tariff | Price per kWh | Technology Type | System Size | Initial Contract Length |
| OVO SEG Tariff (AET20) | 4.00p/kWh | All eligible technologies | Solar, Anaerobic Digestion, Hydro, Wind up to 5MW capacity, Up to 50kW for Micro-combined heat and power (Micro-CHP) | 12 months |
There are currently 2 other exclusive SEG tariff options these are:
SEG Beyond Exclusive and SEG Install Exclusive - both have different eligibility criteria and more detail on both can be found here.
When will my SEG contract with OVO start?
It can take up to 4 weeks to get an export MPAN registered for your installation. Then we'll either ask you for your opening meter readings, or take these automatically from your smart meter. After that, your contract starts.
Can I switch to OVO's SEG if I already receive FIT payments?
Yes, but you’ll need to switch to SEG, and stop your FIT export payments (though you'll still get your FIT generator payments). If you want to opt in and out of your FIT, bear in mind you can only do this once a year.
Where can I find the application forms?
You can find our application form and supporting documents guide here. Once completed you’ll need to email this (as well as the supporting documents) to our SEG team at seg@ovoenergy.com. They’ll review your application and if eligible you’ll receive a welcome email confirming the tariff and payment information within 6 weeks of applying.
When do I need to give a reading?
The readings we use for payments will be sent automatically from your smart meter 4 times a year – in March, June, September, and December. But if for some reason they're not sent automatically, we'll ask you to send them to us. This guide will help you to take an export meter reading from your smart meter.
When do I receive a statement and payment?
| Quarter | Statements posted on (+3 working days for post): | Payments requested on (+ 3 working days for bank processing): |
| January - March | By the end of April | By the end of May |
| April - June | By the end of July | By the end of August |
| July - September | By the end of October | By the end of November |
| October - December | By the end of January | By the end of February |
Can I switch my SEG to another supplier?
As generators, you can switch away to another SEG licensee if you wish. You’ll need to stop your SEG contract with us before signing up to a new SEG contract with another SEG licensee.
What happens if I move into to a property receiving SEG?
If you’ve just moved in to a house which already receives SEG, you’d need to sign-up to a new tariff using the application form. Further to this, we’ll require some proof as evidence that you are now the legal owner of the solar panels:
- Photo ID - As part of the application we need you to prove your identification. Please send a clear copy of your photo driving license or passport.
- Proof of Ownership - Written confirmation from Solicitor or Fixtures and Fittings form (TA10) accompanied by a Land Registry certificate. This must clearly evidence ownership of the panels.
What do I need to do if I’m moving out of a property receiving SEG?
Your SEG contract ends when you sell your home. Please give 28 days' notice, and send a closing reading. If the new owners want to get SEG payments, they’ll need to sign up for it themselves. In order for us close your SEG account, all we need to confirm is your final export meter reading and the date you left the property. Email this to the team directly seg@ovoenergy.com ensuring your include your SEG ID, name and address along with your new address so we can send your final statement.
Once we have received the readings, these will be applied to the account and will send the final statement on the next statement date. The statement dates fall in April, July, October and January, with payments following two weeks later.
Where can I get more information about SEG?
You can find yet more information via our FAQs on the OVO website or the Ofgem website. If you can’t find the answer, you can email the team on seg@ovoenergy.com or call 0330 102 7421. They’ll be there Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
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