The Smart Export Guarantee was first launched in 2020 which means that your energy supplier has to pay you for the power you generate via your solar panels.
Typically, if you generate more power than you need, this surplus energy will be fed back to the national grid where it can be used by other people.
The Smart Export Guarantee means that electricity suppliers offer payment for each unit of power you export to the grid.
Smart Export Guarantee Current Rates:
The table below shows the current Smart Export Guarantee rates you can expect based on the energy supplier and the tariff they offer.
Please bear in mind that these prices often change and we do regularly update the table.
| Energy Supplier | Name of tariff | Rate (p/kWh) | Customers only? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus | Intelligent Octopus Flux | 29.4* | Yes |
| Octopus | Octopus Flux | 26* | Yes |
| Octopus | SEG tariff | 4.1 | No |
| Octopus | Outgoing Fixed Lite | 8 | Yes |
| ScottishPower | SmartGen+ | 15 | Yes |
| British Gas | Export & Earn Plus | 15.1 | Yes |
| EDF | Empower Exclusive | 20 | Yes |
| E.On | Next Export Exclusive | 16.5 | Yes |
| Pozitive Energy | SEG tariff | 5 | No |
| So Energy | So Bright | 20 | Yes |
| So Energy | So Export Flex | 4.5 | No |
| OVO | OVO SEG Tariff | 15 | Yes |
| OVO | OVO SEG Tariff (exclusive) | 20 | Yes |
| OVO | OVO SEG Tariff | 4 | No |
| Utilita | Utilita Smart Export Guarantee | 3 | No |
| EDF | Export Variable | 3 | No |
| E.ON | Next Export Exclusive | 16.5 | No |
| Utility Warehouse | UW Smart Export Guarantee – Standard | 2 | No |
| Rebel Energy | Snail | 1 | No |
| E | E SEG January2020v.1 | 1 | No |
| British Gas | Export & Earn Flex | 3.02 | No |
| Good Energy | Export Only | 4 | No |
| Scottish Power | SmartGen | 12 | No |
*Time-of-use tariffs offer varying rates based on the time of day and geographical location within the UK. For these tariffs, we’ve provided the average peak rate.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
You’ve probably heard that you can sell excess electricity back to the grid—but how does it actually work? Who’s buying your energy, and why would they choose to purchase from small-scale producers instead of large power stations?
That’s where the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) comes in.
Launched in January 2020, the SEG is a government-backed scheme designed to encourage small-scale renewable energy generation. It requires certain electricity suppliers (SEG licensees) to pay for surplus electricity generated by homes and businesses using solar panels, wind turbines, hydro, and other low-carbon sources. This energy is then fed back into the national grid, helping to create a more sustainable energy mix.
If you generate renewable energy at home, you’d be classified as an SEG generator, meaning you can sell your excess electricity to eligible suppliers under their SEG tariffs. However, like any scheme, there are terms and conditions, so choosing the right provider is key.
Which Supplier Offers the Best SEG Rates?
Not all SEG rates are created equal—so who’s offering the best deal right now?
💡 Octopus Energy currently leads the pack with the highest SEG rate in the UK, paying 29p per kWh for surplus energy. However, there’s a catch—you must already be an Octopus customer to access this top rate. If not, you’ll only receive 4.1p per kWh.
⚡ If you’re looking for the best SEG rate available to all households, regardless of your energy provider, Scottish Power is currently offering 12p per kWh.
With SEG tariffs varying significantly between suppliers, it’s essential to compare rates and terms to maximise your returns.
Related solar guides: