Smart Export Guarantee for businesses

Can my business receive both FiT and SEG payments?

You can only receive one export payment.  So, you can receive FIT generation and SEG export payments, but you can’t receive export payments from both FIT and SEG.

If you receive the Feed-in Tariff (FiT), you can choose to opt out of receiving export payments under the FiT scheme and sign up for the SEG tariff instead.

It’s a good idea to check your FiT rates and compare them with SEG tariffs from other providers to see what works best for you.

It’s important to note:

• You can only opt out of FiT export payments once every 12 months.
• If you switch from deemed to metered export payments under the FiT scheme, this change is permanent - you can’t switch back.

My business is already an existing customer of British Gas, how can I upgrade my business to the Plus tariff?

As an existing British Gas business electricity customer, we’ll automatically put you on our best SEG tariff - you don't need to request it.

What if I switch my business electricity supply to another provider?

You can switch energy supplier or cancel your SEG tariff at any time without notice or exit fees. We’ll just ask you for a final export reading so we can send your last payment and close your business energy account.

Can I have the Smart Export Guarantee if I have co-located battery storage?

Yes, you can apply for a tariff and receive SEG payments whether the electricity you export comes directly from your renewable system, or from your battery storage.

What if I change my installation set up?

You can install additional capacity to an eligible system. Please remember that if you do this, anything over 5MW for solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, hydro or anaerobic digestion (AD) installations, or over 50kW for micro-CHP won’t be paid for.

If you add capacity to an existing SEG installation or have any questions, please contact us to let us know and discuss further.

Is there a limit to the amount of electricity I can export?

You can export an unlimited amount of electricity to the grid, but it can’t be any more than the amount of renewable energy your system can generate.

How do I know if I have the correct meters?

You'll need to have either a smart meter (first and second-generation smart meters also called SMETS1 and SMETS2 meters) or a separate export meter that's capable of recording export readings half-hourly.

If your energy usage is less than 30kW, a smart meter is typically the best option. For usage over 30kW, you’ll likely need an export meter, and we’ll also need a copy of your MOP contract.

If you’re unsure and a British Gas customer, contact us and we’ll check whether you have a smart meter and confirm if it’s capable of recording exports on a half-hourly basis.

How do I get an export meter reading?

How you identify the export meter reading you need to give us will depend on the type of meter you have. It's always best to check your meter specifications on how to do this for your type of meter. These may be available in a User Manual (if you have one), or you can contact us if you have any problems locating the export meter reading. 

If you have a smart meter, the export reading will be available on the display on the smart meter itself.  To access the export meter reading you will need to press the button, or buttons on your smart meter to scroll through the information on the meter display or select the export register from a menu system – it will depend on the type of smart meter you have installed. 

• Send us your export meter reading by completing our online form.

• Find out more about How to read your meter.

• Find out more about How your electricity smart meter works.

Why is the SEG tariff separate from my existing import tariff?

The SEG tariff has been set up specifically so that you can export renewable electricity to the grid and is separate to your import tariff where you are charged for the electricity you import from the grid to power your business.

The flow of electricity into your business (known as consumption) and from your business (known as export) are measured separately by your smart meter. We'll use the export meter readings you give us to pay you for your exported electricity.

You don't need to have an import tariff with us to qualify for our Export and Earn Flex tariff.

What if I want to cancel my SEG tariff with you?

If you decide to leave there's no exit fees, and you’re free to cancel the contract at any time. You can also switch to another supplier without notice or exit fee.

If you do decide to leave, you just need to provide a final export meter reading by contacting us so we can issue your final payment and settle your account.

What is my export supply number / Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN)?

Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) is a supply number that's unique to each meter. Your export supply number (Export MPAN) is linked to the electricity you export to the grid.

It'll be different to the supply number you'll see on bills you receive from your energy supplier, which is for the electricity you import from the grid.

If you’re joining the SEG scheme for the first time and have an installation under 30kW, we’ll create and register your export MPAN for you.

If you’re moving your SEG to us from another provider, we’ll get your export MPAN directly from them.

If your installation is equal to 30kW or more, then you’ll need to contact your local electricity distribution network operator.

Am I eligible for your Export & Earn Plus tariff?

To qualify for our SEG Export and Earn Plus tariff, British Gas must supply electricity to the premises, and you must be named as an account holder on the electricity account for the premises. You won’t be eligible to claim payments for unoccupied or vacant properties, or claim SEG payments for generating equipment which is subject to a rent a roof agreement.