Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Explained

11/03/2025

Following the closure of the FiT scheme, the government introduced the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

The ability to sell renewable energy to the National Grid has been available for over a decade; however, the government schemes supporting this have changed over time. Initially, homes and businesses generating renewable energy participated in the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme, which closed to new applications in April 2019. Following the closure of the FiT scheme, the government introduced the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). 

 

What is The Smart Export Guarantee? 

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) requires energy suppliers to compensate households and businesses for the low-carbon electricity they export back to the National Grid. Anyone who was previously eligible for the Feed-in Tariff is also eligible for the SEG scheme. To participate, generators must have an export meter capable of recording half-hourly readings.

 

Differences Between Feed-in Tariff and Smart Export Guarantee 

There are some key differences between the two schemes. The primary distinction is that the FiT pays for both generating and exporting electricity, while the SEG only compensates for the electricity exported. Additionally, the SEG allows energy suppliers to set their own rates, unlike the FiT, where rates were determined by the government. 

 

The FiT scheme was considered a levy applied to customer bills, whereas the SEG has shifted the financial responsibility to the suppliers.

 

Are Feed-in Tariffs still available? 

No, Feed-in Tariffs are no longer available to new customers. Any active contracts will end on their designated closure dates and will not be renewable under the FiT scheme.

 

Applying for the Smart Export Guarantee 

If you’re eligible for the SEG, you should explore various suppliers that offer SEG tariffs, as the rates paid vary. It is essential to find the best deal. You can apply for an SEG tariff with any supplier that offers these rates.

 

Smart Export Guarantee Rates

 

Supplier Export Rate (p/ kWh) Compare
British Gas 15.1p Compare Tariffs
EON Next 16.5p Compare Tariffs
EDF Energy 15p Compare Tariffs

Ovo Energy

 12p Compare Tariffs

Scottish Power

 12p Compare Tariffs


*We’ve searched for the best rates each supplier offers for SEG tariffs. These tariffs may be different based on multiple factors including your location and export amount. You should compare SEG tariffs for accurate rates. Prices updated 2025. 

 

Switching Suppliers On The Smart Export Guarantee  

Your Smart Export Guarantee does not need to be the same as your standard energy supplier. This means you can freely compare the latest energy prices without worrying about losing your SEG payments. 

Smart Export Guarantee FAQs

  • What is the easiest way to join the SEG scheme?

    The easiest way to join an SEG tariff is to install solar panels. According to Ofgem’s annual SEG report,  99% of new installations that qualify for SEG were from solar panels based on a total of 92,946 registrations. The most registrations came from the South East of England.

  • Is it worth getting an SEG tariff?

    In most cases, it is worth getting a tariff that allows for the SEG scheme as payment rates will likely increase with the demand for electricity.

  • How much is the average SEG payment?

    The average household will earn around £165 annually exporting electricity to the National Grid on the SEG scheme according to Ofgem. Larger households or business energy producers can earn much more than average.

  • Which suppliers offer the Smart Export Guarantee?

    Here’s a list of suppliers offering SEG tariffs: 

     

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