Octopus Energy Outgoing & SEG Tariff Review.
Which? Recommended provider 2023 (6th year in a row) and now the second largest energy supplier in the UK. 👏 Octopus Energy has an average of six customers per square mile across Britain! They can sell your energy to your neighbour, enabling the first-ever mass peer-to-peer energy trading in this country. Octopus Energy Outgoing tariffs have it covered.
If you’re looking for a way to make some extra cash, exporting excess solar energy to the national grid in the UK is one of the best ways to do it! After all, what’s better than getting paid for something you don’t even use? Plus, it’s eco-friendly and your neighbours benefit too from your shiny solar panels too! So, come on, join the solar revolution and get paid while you’re at it! Octopus Energy has some amazing solar export tariffs.
Since 2019 Octopus Energy customers have generated well over 23295958 kWh of solar power. 👏
If you have solar panels here’s all you need to know about Octpous solar tariffs, Octopus Energy Outgoing and SEG tariffs.
What is SEG?
The smart export guarantee (SEG) is an obligation set by the government for licensed electricity suppliers to offer a tariff and make payment to small-scale low-carbon generators for electricity exported to the National Grid, providing certain criteria are met.
SEG was introduced in January 2020 and replaced the Feed In Tariff (FiT) payment which closed to new applications in March 2019. If you are on the FIT you either signed up for 20 or 25 years depending on when you signed up. It was a very good deal so before you decided if you switch to SEG or another Octopus Outgoing tariff you will need to do the maths. (You can still claim FiT import you’ll just need to cancel your FiT export.)
Currently, on Octopus SEG you will receive a flat rate of 4.1p per kWh. You may well receive more on an Octopus Outgoing tariff but your choice of import tariff may be restricted. I will explain how this works in this blog post.
Historical context about claiming for your excess solar through FiT and SEG?
The boat has now sailed if you haven’t already started claiming under the FiT scheme. This was a government initiative and is paid by us the great British taxpayer. In April 2019 SEG took over from FiT and it was from this point down to the energy supplier to pay for your excess solar energy. All suppliers still offer roughly the same rate with some worse than others. Octopus SEG is 4.1p per kWh.
Octopus, however, offer their customers extra for their solar energy. It all depends on your incoming tariff but most customers should be able to get around 15p per kWh for exporting their excess solar energy. Electric Vehicle drivers are slightly different as they get an amazing off-peak incoming tariff for charging their EV. However, If you are eligible for Intelligent Octopus you can get both great EV charging rates and a minimum of 15p per kWh export.
Can I be on an Octopus Export Tariff for my solar PV and still claim FiT payments?
If you are receiving FiT you can still join any of the Octopus export tariffs you will just need to cancel the deemed export part of your FiT agreement.
Just as a side note FiT payments are increasing on 1st April 2023 by around 13%.
If you are looking for an Octopus Solar export tariff what are the eligibility criteria for ALL Octopus Outgoing tariffs?
- Smart Meter – (Smets 2 or Secure Smets 1)
- MCS Certificate.
- DNO response.
You must not be receiving deemed export payments from a feed-in tariff (FiT).
You can sign up for your Octopus Outgoing tariff here.
Why do I need an MCS certificate if I want to be paid for exporting my excess energy to the grid?
Before moving to an Octopus tariff that pays you for your excess solar PV you will need to supply Octopus with your MCS certificate.
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is a standards organisation. They certify low-carbon energy technologies and contractors – including heat pumps, solar, biomass, wind and battery storage. MCS is considered a mark of quality in the industry.
An MCS certificate is not a mandatory or legal requirement for system installation BUT Octopus have have decided to make it a part of its terms for ALL of its export tariffs.
Hi Chris, we are obliged to ensure installations are suitably certified and have chosen to rely on MCS certification. We’re super clear that this is a requirement on our Outgoing FAQs (https://t.co/9ZFVzgt3lJ) but if we can help any further please do drop us a DM.
— Octopus Energy (@OctopusEnergy) September 6, 2022
If you want a copy of your MCS certificate or you want to check if one has been registered for your property you can contact MCS at 0333 103 8130, or email: hello@mcscertified.com. You can also check if an installer is listed as MCS certified.
You will need to show Octopus your MCS certificate if you want to be paid for exporting your excess electricity.
When Octopus receives your MCS certificate they will apply to the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for an export Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN ) for your smart meter. Once the MPAN is registered by the DNO Octopus can then start paying you for your exported electricity. If you export without this you won’t get paid and Octopus will not backdate any payments.
Can I get paid for my solar export without an MCS Certificate?
Octopus Energy is launching a trial where no MCS Certificate is required for solar export but this is separate from their current export tariff where an MCS Certificate is still required.
I doubled checked with Octopus on Twitter and here is their response from 5th August 2023.
Hi, we don’t currently accept export customers without an MCS certificate, but we’re in the very early stages of trialling a solution for non-MCS customers. If you or anyone you know would like to hear if this becomes available, pop your name down here: https://t.co/Rg5R5p4vJy 🐙
— Octopus Energy (@OctopusEnergy) August 5, 2023
What are the Octopus Export tariffs?
Octopus has 4 outgoing tariffs for exporting your excess solar energy.
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
- Octopus Outgoing Fixed.
- Octopus Outgoing Agile.
- Octopus Flux
I have listed the prices of the Octopus export tariffs. Deciding which Octopus export tariff is right for you really depends on your home set-up and the amount of energy you generate. It also depends on how you use that energy at home and what hardware you have available.
Octopus Export rates.
| Octopus Energy Outgoing Tariffs Rates. (01/10/2023) | Per kWh Exported |
|---|---|
| Octopus SEG (If you have no import tariff.) | 4.1p |
| Octopus Outgoing Lite (Combined with Go tariff) | 8p |
| Octopus Outgoing Fixed tariff. | 15.0p |
| Octopus Outgoing Agile. | Variable - half-hourly pricing based on day-ahead wholesale rates. (see table below) |
| Octopus Flux tariff | 2am to 5am - 7.13p per kWh 4pm to 7pm - 31.31p per kWh. All other times 19.22p per kWh |
| Intelligent Octopus Flux | Off-peak (21 hours): 27.1 p/kWh Peak (4 pm – 7 pm): 36.1 p/kWh |
SEG is the lowest rate of export at 4.1p per kWh so why would you choose it? Octopus SEG allows you to be with another provider for your import tariff.
Outgoing Lite: This can be combined with Octopus Go for import.
Outgoing Fixed Fixed at 15p per kWh.
Agile Outgoing is a time-of-use tariff with half-hourly pricing. It changes every 30 minutes and follows wholesale energy prices. You can see the Agile export prices on your Octopus dashboard a day ahead so you can plan when it’s best to export your energy the next day. You can now also be on either of the EV tariffs if you want to sign up for Octopus Agile Outgoing!
| Octopus Agile Outgoing Tariff - 04/10/23 | National Average Price. |
|---|---|
| Min: | 2.8p per kWh (03.30) |
| Max: | 17.0p per kWh (18.30) |
| Avg: | 10.8p per kWh |
On the 5th of September 2023, Octopus announced that customers on Intelligent Octopus can now also be on Octopus Outgoing or Octopus Agile Outgoing for solar export. Plus now Go tariff customers can be on Octopus Lite Outgoing.
Octopus Flux covers both import and export if you have solar PV.
Octopus Flux tariff as it is slightly different in that it is an import and export tariff all rolled into one. I explain all the rates and FiT in my full review of the Flux tariff. Plus there is now Intelligent Octopus Flux where Octopus automated your home battery and export at the best time of day for your pocket.
This diagram should help you better understand the concept. This is my interpretation of the Octopus Flux Tariff and not an official image from the Octopus Energy website.
In the summer, the yellow solar line will extend further, providing you with a greater chance to export energy at the peak rate while keeping your battery charged with green electrons. (Thanks to @eddiewawa for your sketch on Twitter 💚⚡️)
How do the Octopus tariff rates stack up?
Yes @OctopusEnergy agile and agile outgoing it’s like fit but changes every 30 mins very good I think 🧐 you have to manage when to use and when to export but getting paid enough to have bill credit at the end of the month and all the energy we export is spare ! pic.twitter.com/NstVwaY48J
— Nickie redshaw (@Thew0lfman) June 2, 2021
There has been a lot of discussion about the SEG rates across the board. It seems that anywhere between 3p and 5p per kWh is quite normal. This has caused frustration as wholesale energy prices rise but SEG rates remain static. I would suggest if you have the time Octopus Agile Outgoing is a great way to try and boost those figures! You just need to be very hands-on with your export.
Can I mix and match Octopus Import / Outgoing Tariffs?
Yes, you can. If you decide to have both your import and export tariffs with Octopus you can get every creative. As an example, you could opt for a standard tariff, such as the Octopus flexible tariff to import energy and combine it with Octopus Agile Outgoing. So you’ll get a variable rate for export based on wholesale prices. You can now also be on Intelligent Octopus for your EV tariffs and combine this with Octopus Agile Outgoing or Octopus Outgoing for your solar. (Octopus Go is limited to the 8p per kWh on Octopus Lite Outgoing.)
Incoming Tariffs depend on the green tech you have at home.
- Octopus Flexible Tariff – Eco 7 is a good option if you have battery storage.
- Octopus Tracker tariff – Follows wholesale prices (very good for gas at the moment)
- Cosy Octopus tariff – Heat pump tariff.
- Octopus Go – Electric Vehicle.
- Intelligent Octopus – Electric vehicle
- Octopus Flux – Solar and Battery Storage
- Octopus Intelligent Flux – Solar and Battery Storage.
- Octopus Agile – Follows wholesale prices.
It is important to remember that 4.1p is the lowest available price Octopus will pay you to export energy back to the grid and applies to outgoing customers who aren’t signed up with Octopus for import. On Octopus Go you get 8p per kWh on Octopus Lite Outgoing and every other customer can get at least 15p per kWh. (It will vary on Agile Outgoing!)
How do I switch to Octopus Energy as a new customer?
All traditional and smart tariffs are available to new customers. Yes, you can switch to Octopus Energy using the link below. For any smart / tracker tariffs, you will have to sign up for the Octopus Flexible tariff first and then when the switch is complete ask to be moved tariffs.
For the Octopus smart tariff, tracker tariff and all export tariffs you will need a smart meter.
If you are super keen once you have signed up as a new customer email hello@octopus.energy or DM Octopus on Twitter quoting your account number and if you can note you want to move to a different tariff once the switch is complete. You can also phone them on 0808 164 1088.
My preferred method is to contact Octopus via Twitter they are really quick to reply but if you choose to call Octopus after signing up you can even select your on-hold music from your Octopus dashboard. They think of everything! I’ve switched between tariffs lots of times via Twitter it is really easy to do.
If you use my referral link to switch we will both receive £50 credit on our energy bill. So a big thank you if you use mine!
After answering a few short questions you will be given a quote for the Octopus Flexible tariff. I had circled the price per kWh. You will notice that the price per kWh is currently cheaper Octopus Tracker tariff.
You’ll be an Octopus Energy customer in no time. Switch and claim your £50 new customer credit by using my referral link. There’s no exit fee or long-term lock with Octopus Energy. The switch is usually completed within 17 days. It’s a great way to get cashback when you join Octopus Energy as a new customer. (no code required just use the linked pages.)
Switching to Octopus and changing tariffs as soon as your switch is complete does not affect your £50 credit.
You’ll be given £50 credit after your first direct debit is taken and you’ll get your own personal referral code to share with friends and family as soon as you have signed up.
Tip: The £50 credit is added to your balance after your first payment is made. If you opt to make a one-off payment eg £5 (the link is on your Octopus dashboard) this should trigger the £50 credit being added a day or two later. So you should get it earlier.
Can I stay with another company for importing energy?
Yes, there’s no need to shift your current domestic energy supplier. Any Octopus Outgoing tariff can be stand-alone BUT you only get the flat rate of 4.1p per kWh.
What’s the best Octopus Outgoing tariff?
The answer really depends on your home setup and requirements but here’s a generalised answer for those switching to Octopus Energy for both import and export tariffs.
- Octopus Flux rates have change from 1st July 2023. Between 4 pm and 7 pm every day you can export your excess electricity to the grid for a whopping 30.22p per kWh. This tariff covers both import and export all in one.
- If you frequently generate more than you use I’d suggest taking a look at Octopus Outgoing Agile. As an example, if you have solar and battery storage with very little import needs (no EV), some Outgoing Agile customers are reporting averaging >10p /kWh export. 👏
- For electric vehicle owners who frequently use most of their generated energy, I would suggest the Intelligent Octopus tariff with Octopus Agile or Octopus Outgoing Fixed.
| Energy Price - Octopus Agile Outgoing Tariff | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| National Average per day. (Snap shot) | Minimum: | Maximum: | Daily Average |
| Wednesday 04/10/23 | 2.8p per kWh (03.30) | 17.0p per kWh (18.30) | 7.5p per kWh |
| Monday 02/10/23 | 8.2p per kWh (03.30) | 21.5p per kWh (18.30) | 10.8p per kWh |
| Sunday 01/10/23 | 5.6p per kWh (02.30) | 17.9p per kWh (18.30) | 9.4p per kWh |
| Saturday 30/09/23 | 7.0p per kWh (13.30) | 17.7p per kWh (18.00) | 10.1p per kWh |
| Friday 29/09/23 | 3.5p per kWh (03.30) | 19.0p per kWh (18.30) | 8.9p per kWh |
| Thursday 28/09/23 | 0.0p per kWh (05.00) | 18.4p per kWh (18.30) | 8.3p per kWh |
| Tuesday 26/09/23 | 6.3p per kWh (03.30) | 19.1p per kWh (18.30) | 10.6p per kWh |
Facebook Groups and Twitter.
If you want to find a place to chat further about export tariffs there’s a very active Octopus community on Facebook and Twitter. This Facebook group has lots of chat and advice. Greg Jackson, the CEO of Octopus is a good one to follow on Twitter as well as @agile_phil.
Octopus Energy Outgoing FAQ. For further information Email seg@octopus.energy for more information.☀️
