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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
OVO Forum Legend
November 7, 2023

We’ll be getting to that complaint, @sijulien and you’ll be getting paid for any feed in tariff generated / exported energy. Thanks for bearing with the team whilst they get this sorted for you. 

 

Incidentally if you did move to a different feed in tariff provider that wouldn’t stop us from sorting out the account and sending you payments that covered the duration from the last time you got a payment with your old provider to the time when the new provider takes over. 

Carbon neutral - we need a community to get there! My green tech: Aclara SGM 1411-B smart meter, Chameleon IHD6
Newcomer
November 7, 2023

Thanks Tim. I am still in a form of limbo as I do not have an account to migrate from. I lack the confidence that you would be able to sort things out as you indicate given the response to date. I would be delighted to learn things are moving on but …

Jeffus
Rank 20
Rank 20
November 14, 2023

Wondering if anyone has recently had their SEG approval and how long has it taken?

Submitted ours on 27th April and still waiting. Called the SEG team today and was told ‘they are taking a very long time’!

 

Hi I’ve waited 3 months so far. Service from the SEG team, which appears to be outsourced is shocking. Difficulties with language and interpretation. OVO a leading supplier of energy in the UK and you offer a service that is exceptional in one way. Appalling bad. I think the best thing for anyone thinking of applying for SEG with OVO is to change to another supplier. I have seen messages like this going back for over a year in OVO forums 

Hi @robbo75 

Did you get your issue sorted in the end?

Newcomer
December 6, 2023

Hi is anyone else getting mest about with there feed in  tariff application. We applied back in February have had conformation email but still haven’t received are account . Now they are saying that we have to reapply . This means we may lose out on the electricity we have allredy supplied them . 

BPLightlog
Super User
Super User
December 6, 2023

The feed in tariff finished quite a while ago. You would need to apply for the SEG. 
Also not sure why you’ve posted this as an idea

Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
Newcomer
December 6, 2023

It’s not an idea it’s an issue, didn’t know where else to  post it !

Abby_OVO
Community Manager
Community Manager
December 7, 2023

Hi @Rodh 

 

Sorry to hear about this.

 

We don’t have access to this on the Forum so you’ll need to get in touch with the team. 

 

You can get in touch with the right team via their contact email of either; fits@ovoenergy.com or seg@ovoenergy.com.

 

Alternatively, you can speak to our Team by calling 0330 303 5063 and selecting ‘4’ when the IVR instructs you to do so.

 

We’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.

 

I’ve linked below to a couple of similar topics that may also be helpful to you:

Currently Playing: She's Electric
Rank 2
April 2, 2024

Hi

I first applied in July 2022 but was missing my G98.

I had hassle getting my G98 and finally obtained it myself after a phone call to my DNO and it arrived by email in April 2023 five minutes after my call.

I sent it off and have been waiting ever since.

Last week, I was invited to resubmit my documents as detailed in my other  thread.

So, in conclusion, don’t hold your breath!

Get an aircon unit and a heated electric towel rail and use as much of your generated electricity as you can.

 

Regards

Ladyrose

Newcomer
April 7, 2025

what documents do I need to start exporting energy to grid

BPLightlog
Super User
Super User
April 7, 2025

Hi ​@jennywren , if it’s a new export, then you need to choose a ‘supplier’ to export via (OVO or whoever - it doesn’t have to be the same as your supplier).

Then request an export MPAN for your meter if not already set up (usually via the chosen route).

They will probably ask for the system specification and certification documents (MCS or otherwise) and there will be a little time for this to be set up.

Once set up, you send a start reading, then if via smart meter, it should be automatic.

OFGEM have some good guidance as they oversee the whole scheme.

Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}