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Rank 1
August 30, 2022
Solved

Applied for OVO's smart export guarantee (SEG) - how long till it's set up?

  • August 30, 2022
  • 61 replies
  • 4026 views

Having installed our solar panels, we applied to receive the OVO Smart energy guarantee payments and sent the requested initial export meter reading on the 12th July, which will be seven weeks ago tomorrow. 

We were told that we would receive the welcome email within four weeks from receiving this initial meter reading.

Is it normal to have to wait this long? I cannot speak to the SEG team by phone and any email sent just gets a standard reply that a response will be within 15 days.

Getting frustrated now

 

Malcolm

Best answer by Tim_OVO

The teams are really busy at the moment. It’s September which represents a generation (if feed in tariff (FiT)) or export (if SEG) reading window, so high volumes of contact. Alongside that the price cap news is meaning all customer facing teams are very busy and response have been affected. 

 

Despite this our teams are committed to getting to your emails, applications and any outstanding payments as soon as possible. It’s still something we’re trying to put right for everyone.

 

Hi @TrishT 

 

I’ve recently been advised that a smart export guarantee (SEG) applicant is only eligible for SEG once an export supply number (MPAN) has been created. As soon as that's been done we ask the customer for an opening reading which is the point they will be paid from. Unfortunately we cannot make payment for anything exported before then.

 

At the moment there’s a longer time frame than usual for applications and emails to the SEG team. Any customers still waiting to be set up may wish to cancel their SEG application with OVO and re-apply elsewhere as a different supplier may be able to register them quicker. It's not ideal by any means but unfortunately we can't process any quicker than we currently are.

 

Hope this helps outline your options,

Tim

61 replies

Tim_OVO
OVO Staff
Tim_OVOSolved
OVO Forum Legend
September 7, 2022

The teams are really busy at the moment. It’s September which represents a generation (if feed in tariff (FiT)) or export (if SEG) reading window, so high volumes of contact. Alongside that the price cap news is meaning all customer facing teams are very busy and response have been affected. 

 

Despite this our teams are committed to getting to your emails, applications and any outstanding payments as soon as possible. It’s still something we’re trying to put right for everyone.

 

Hi @TrishT 

 

I’ve recently been advised that a smart export guarantee (SEG) applicant is only eligible for SEG once an export supply number (MPAN) has been created. As soon as that's been done we ask the customer for an opening reading which is the point they will be paid from. Unfortunately we cannot make payment for anything exported before then.

 

At the moment there’s a longer time frame than usual for applications and emails to the SEG team. Any customers still waiting to be set up may wish to cancel their SEG application with OVO and re-apply elsewhere as a different supplier may be able to register them quicker. It's not ideal by any means but unfortunately we can't process any quicker than we currently are.

 

Hope this helps outline your options,

Tim

Carbon neutral - we need a community to get there! My green tech: Aclara SGM 1411-B smart meter, Chameleon IHD6
Newcomer
June 27, 2023

I am moving my FIT account from my old energy company to OVO. (only six months trying as yet) It is coming close to time for my next reading, 30th June, Do I send my reading to my old suplier or to OVO. As I have had no confirmation the my account has moved, are my details still with the old company or are they with OVO.

Say no to net zero charges.
Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
June 27, 2023

It’ll be whichever supplier asks for the readings. That’s all I can say

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
Newcomer
June 27, 2023

This is a poor answer from OVO.  Does OVO really want to respond to SEG Applications at all? OVO may have a time target to process applications which they ought to tell you about.  40 days ago on 17/5/23 I forwarded what I think are the documents which OVO says it wants and I have received nothing back yet.  

Does anyone have any relevant recent experience?

Newcomer
June 27, 2023

I have just done an internet search looking for the best SEG rates.  Octopus and OVO are in the top of the list, especially for their own customers.  See www.theecoexperts.co.uk/solar-panels and so on.  As an OVO customer with a battery, I should be able to get 20p/kWh.  So why is my application so delayed?

juliamc
Rank 20
Rank 20
June 27, 2023

I’m fairly sure that the 20p rate from OVO is only if you purchase your solar panels and battery from OVO as per this link https://www.ovoenergy.com/solar-panels

Jeffus
Rank 20
Rank 20
June 27, 2023

I’m fairly sure that the 20p rate from OVO is only if you purchase your solar panels and battery from OVO as per this link https://www.ovoenergy.com/solar-panels

Yes @JohnDB 

Only 4p if you don't buy your solar panels from ovo. 

 

Newcomer
June 27, 2023

www.theecoexperts,co.uk did not mention I needed to get OVO to install the solar panels, in order to get a good export rate, nor did I find this information when I read OVO’s guidance for an SEG application

juliamc
Rank 20
Rank 20
June 27, 2023

The solar package from OVO is new,  the SEG info should have been recently updated. If not there’s an urgent need to do that!! Also the eco expert’s website.

Jeffus
Rank 20
Rank 20
June 27, 2023

www.theecoexperts,co.uk did not mention I needed to get OVO to install the solar panels, in order to get a good export rate, nor did I find this information when I read OVO’s guidance for an SEG application

The eco experts table definitely needs updating. 

If you don't buy solar panels from ovo, then you only get 4p per kWh with the ovo seg whether you are an ovo customer or with another supplier.

Sounds like you may want to have another look at Octopus depending on what you want from your main tariff any  EV etc requirements.