Smart Export Guarantee while on an OVO Fixed Tariff

swanny65

I have invested in a 8kW of solar panels with a Tesla Powerwall 3 set up that will be installed next week. Long term it looks like the best tariff for this set up will be Octopus' Intelligent Flux tariff.

However in the near term I am contracted to OVO on their Extended Fixed plan, with two £75 early exit penalties for electricity and gas if I leave before 30/08/2026.

What are my options / is the best SEG option for exporting the excess electricity generated between March and September.

Thanks very much

Robin9

It will take time - weeks if not months for the installer to complete the paperwork (mine took 4 months)

Assuming you've been in touch with Octopus and they won't let you change without penalty.

So you could just sit back and enjoy the benefits of reducing your consumption and sort it out at the end of July when you can switch without penalty.

Don't know about Octopus but export rates are tumbling - the grid doesn't want it as there is already too much solar. My EDF fell from 15 to 5.6p and I expect another tumble in the Autumn

paradigital

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81896328#Comment_81896328

Octopus rates are dropping, from March they will be 12p/kWh rather than the current 15p. Likely more falls to come, but for now that’s the only announcement.

Qyburn

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81896328#Comment_81896328

Our installation was commissioned on 31st May, we were onto Octopus' export tariff by 15th June.
Most of that time was Octopus sitting on their hands. Installer sent the MCS paperwork in two working days, G.99 confirmation a day or so later. When Octopus applied for the MPAN it only took a couple of days.

Alnat1

Might be worth getting the export set up with OVO for now (at least it will get the export MPAN sorted and some payment for the next few months) and then switch both import and export together to Octopus 49 days before your OVO fixed tariff is due to end. That way you will move without paying the exit fees.

swanny65

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81896847#Comment_81896847

Cheers, I have written to OVO this morning. Unsurprisingly, looking at the OVO forum, it appears the initial set up when switching to panels is where problems will occur.

And on the day OVO tell us they want to up our DD to £318 pcm, was £187 pcm in September !

Highly likely, with a 13 yr old gas boiler, I will have a heat pump before next winter and be completely off gas…..

Qyburn

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81897381#Comment_81897381

Cheers, I have written to OVO this morning. Unsurprisingly, looking at the OVO forum, it appears the initial set up when switching to panels is where problems will occur.

Do you have the required paperwork yet? They'll expect to see MCS certificate and either a copy of G.98 declaration, or G.99 post install acceptance confirmation. OVO will apply for the export MPAN, but once it's created and registered Octopus won't have to redo that part of the process.

swanny65

Installation completed a week ago. Paper arrived yesterday and SEG application made to OVO.

OVO called with 24hrs to confirm the application was okay. They said there would be a delay due to an issue with the regulator but wouldn’t give me much info, other than it was not industry wide. Been informed i will get a weekly progress update.

Quick google revealed they might be in financial difficulties. Wondering if they will be taking my exported solar for free. Probably explains why they raised our DD again last month - see earlier post.

Any thoughts on next steps !

swanny65

Update: OVO called, exporting approved, should be up and running shortly.

swanny65

Final update: What started out being slightly concerning ended up a really positive experience.

SEG application handled solely by one OVO representative (Ryan) who called me every 5 days or sooner. He provided straightforward explanations. Final call today to confirm SEG application completed and first quarterly reading taken.

Installation completed 5 March. Export approved and income received from 20 March.