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Rank 1
August 22, 2022
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Delay in setting up my Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) account - am I missing out on generation when the sun is out?

  • August 22, 2022
  • 51 replies
  • 3094 views

We had our solar panels fitted at the end of June. Sine then, despite six or seven emails to the FIT Team, all of which generate an automated response promising a reply within five working days, I have heard nothing. So much of the wonderful sunshine of the past few weeks is going to waste or certainly not going to my bank account. 

So almost two weeks ago I registered a complaint with OVO which resulted in me being informed of….guess what? You guessed it, they’ll aim to reply within five working days!!! Still heard nothing from them Absolutely shocking service from a company we have been with for a few years now and previously rated very highly

I would be soooo grateful to hear if anyone else is being ignored in the same way? 

Best answer by Tim_OVO

Updated on 06/01/25 by Abby_OVO

 

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.

 

We’ve made a guide on the Smart Export Guarantee here:

 

 

 

Yes as PeterR mentioned, if your solar panels are generating more energy than the house is consuming, it will get exported. That leads me to think the meter will be tracking it, @Osprey1. I may be wrong of course!

 

I’ve copied some info from this topic to make sure you know where to track export:

 

Our Smart meters do track how much energy you’re exporting if you’ve got solar panels. To take your export reading check the instructions for your meter type below:

For an ‘Aclara’ meter (Elec MSN has an 'M')

 

Electricity - There’s 2 buttons on an electricity meter. Pressing ‘B’ will cycle through all the menus on the meter screen and pressing  ‘A’ will cycle through all the sub menus. To take an electricity reading, press ‘A’ three times - ‘TOU rate 1’ will be the electricity reading. For Economy 7 members, pressing ‘A’ a fourth time will show the second reading labelled ‘TOU rate 2’.

 

To get your export, that’s on the first submenu. So press A repeatedly to toggle through till you see ‘Total active export’. 

51 replies

Tim_OVO
OVO Staff
Tim_OVOSolved
OVO Forum Legend
August 30, 2022

Updated on 06/01/25 by Abby_OVO

 

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.

 

We’ve made a guide on the Smart Export Guarantee here:

 

 

 

Yes as PeterR mentioned, if your solar panels are generating more energy than the house is consuming, it will get exported. That leads me to think the meter will be tracking it, @Osprey1. I may be wrong of course!

 

I’ve copied some info from this topic to make sure you know where to track export:

 

Our Smart meters do track how much energy you’re exporting if you’ve got solar panels. To take your export reading check the instructions for your meter type below:

For an ‘Aclara’ meter (Elec MSN has an 'M')

 

Electricity - There’s 2 buttons on an electricity meter. Pressing ‘B’ will cycle through all the menus on the meter screen and pressing  ‘A’ will cycle through all the sub menus. To take an electricity reading, press ‘A’ three times - ‘TOU rate 1’ will be the electricity reading. For Economy 7 members, pressing ‘A’ a fourth time will show the second reading labelled ‘TOU rate 2’.

 

To get your export, that’s on the first submenu. So press A repeatedly to toggle through till you see ‘Total active export’. 

Carbon neutral - we need a community to get there! My green tech: Aclara SGM 1411-B smart meter, Chameleon IHD6
Newcomer
June 18, 2023

I had Solar Panels fitted at the beginning of this year (2023) and applied for a SEG in February, submitting all the relevant documentation requested by ovo. . It is now late June, and I have still heard nothing other than automated email responses saying “we are very busy”.  How long does this go on for as I can’t understand how a simple request like this can take 6 months?  I plan to contact OFGEM this week to ask if all energy providers are this bad.

BPLightlog
Super User
Super User
June 18, 2023

Hi @NBones and welcome to this customer forum. I’ve no idea if it’s of any help but there are similar posts like this

There are a number who suggest a delay to set up

Have you made a complaint if you’re not satisfied? This will be needed before you can get the ombudsman to investigate 

https://www.ovoenergy.com/feedback

Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
Abby_OVO
Community Manager
Community Manager
June 19, 2023

Hey @NBones 

 

Really sorry to hear about this.

 

If you’ve not done so already, I’d give the SEG team a call on 0330 303 5063, and select ‘4’ on the IVR when instructed to do so. 

Currently Playing: She's Electric
Rank 5
June 21, 2023

Set my documents in over a month ago. Just rang the line in the forum above and the lady said that there is no information to give and there’s no timescale given for successful application is granted. Not very helpful but we’ll wait and see

 

 

Newcomer
July 4, 2023

I  want to take a moment to extend my congrats to OVO Energy, because on the 29th June 2023 they set up my SEG account.

This is  momentous occasion as it only took about 20 Hours of my life on the phone and no less than 1yr, 1 month and 12 days to complete (406 days to be precise).

Good job Guys / Girls!

Newcomer
July 15, 2023

I sent in all my documents in January. My installer provided a DNO from sp manweb and a pdf of the connection agreement. SP manweb also supplied a MPAN export number. I keep getting emails saying I haven’t supplied a DNO. I have called, emailed etc sent the documents numerous times but I just keep getting the same email saying they need a DNO in order to apply for an MPAN number. It’s like talking to a robot. I ask them to review the documents and the ask me to send a DNO. I’ve missed about £140 of seg so far. Got another email today asking for a DNO so they can apply for an MPAN number which I’ve sent them 5 times

i suppose a formal complaint is next and then a complaint to ofgem

Newcomer
July 16, 2023

Ok I hear and feel your pain - Here's my advice folks - Email will get you know where, with that said it has remained the media for conversation and providing info when I did get someone’s attention.

Calling customer service will also get you nothing more than - There is no info to share you will have wait.

What you need to do is call and raise a formal complaint, however be aware, there is a complaints team who do and achieve nothing and then there is the “Advanced Resolutions Team.”

From experience you might as well be speaking to my dog about it until you can get a dedicated point of contact in the Advanced Resolutions Team. (0330 102 7400). It wasn't until I managed to achieve this,  that I got any progress. Then it took me about another 3-4 weeks to get a result, but I will say my POC at ART was very empathetic and helpful. It is just about getting the attention of someone capable and interested

Finally robustly tell them they owe you the back dated £ for the energy they have had from you at 4p per Kw/h versus the 35p+ per Kw/h they sell it at to you.

 

Sink your teeth in and do not let get, you will have be forceful - Good luck

Newcomer
July 16, 2023

Thanks for that,

can I go straight to art or do I need some Ken’s of complain reference. They are now saying they will cancel the application if I do t get the documents to them in 10 days. They will never admit to receiving them….

 

thanks 

 

steve

Newcomer
July 16, 2023

Kind of complaints ref number