British Gas export tariff and SEG rates 2026
A UK-focused guide to understanding the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), how British Gas export payments work in practice, and how to compare export tariffs (without guesswork) using your postcode.
- What “British Gas export tariff” and “SEG rates” actually mean in 2026
- Eligibility checks (metering, readings, MCS) and common reasons applications stall
- How to estimate export income using your generation and self-use assumptions
SEG export prices and availability can change. This page explains the process and how to check the latest figures for your postcode.
Fast answer: British Gas export tariff and SEG rates 2026
British Gas export tariff and SEG rates 2026 are the prices British Gas may pay you per kWh for electricity your solar panels export to the grid under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). The most important number is your export rate (p/kWh), which can change and varies by tariff—so check live options by postcode before you apply.
Key takeaway #1
SEG is about export only (what you send to the grid). It’s separate from your import tariff (what you buy from the grid).
Key takeaway #2
Eligibility usually depends on having a suitable export meter (often smart) and proof your system meets SEG rules (commonly MCS or equivalent evidence).
Key takeaway #3
The best export choice depends on how much you export and how you’re paid (readings vs smart data), not just the headline rate.
Quick caveat: We don’t publish supplier-specific p/kWh figures on this page because export tariffs update frequently. Use the comparison journey to see the current export rates and eligibility for your home.
How British Gas export tariffs and SEG payments work
In Great Britain, SEG requires larger electricity suppliers to offer a way to pay households for exporting low-carbon electricity (most commonly from solar PV) to the grid. A “British Gas export tariff” is simply British Gas’s SEG option(s) at the time you apply.
What you get paid for
- Exported electricity (kWh)
- Energy your home doesn’t use and sends to the grid. Payments are calculated using your export meter readings or smart export data.
What SEG is not
Not a discount on your electricity bill: SEG pays for export; it doesn’t reduce your import unit rate or standing charge.
Not the old Feed-in Tariff (FIT): FIT is closed to new applicants. SEG is a separate scheme with different rules.
Typical eligibility checks (UK)
- Export metering: you’ll usually need a meter that can measure export (smart meter export readings are common).
- Evidence of installation/standards: many SEG applications ask for MCS certificate or equivalent evidence accepted under SEG rules.
- Grid connection details: you may need paperwork from your installer/DNO showing the system is appropriately notified/connected.
- Bank details and customer information for payments.
Tenants and flats: SEG is possible in some rented homes, but you’ll need the right meter set-up and proof you’re entitled to export from that installation. If you’re unsure, check with your landlord/agent and the supplier before switching anything.
Compare export tariffs (whole of market)
If you’re checking British Gas export tariff options, it’s worth comparing other SEG export tariffs too. Export rates can differ, and so can how readings are collected and how often you’re paid.
What you’ll need: postcode, contact details, and (if you have it) an estimate of annual generation/export.
What you’ll get: available import and export options for your home and meter set-up, shown with the latest supplier data.
Two realistic export-income scenarios (illustrative)
To make SEG feel less abstract, here are two common situations. These are estimates using simple assumptions. Your actual export depends on your system size, orientation, shading, household use, battery, and how the supplier measures export.
Scenario A: family home, no battery
- Annual solar generation: 3,200 kWh (example only)
- Self-consumed on-site: 55%
- Exported: 1,440 kWh
Estimated annual SEG income = 1,440 × your export rate. For example, at 5p/kWh that’s about £72/year; at 15p/kWh about £216/year. (Rates vary by supplier and can change.)
Scenario B: home worker + battery
- Annual solar generation: 4,000 kWh (example only)
- Self-consumed on-site (with battery): 75%
- Exported: 1,000 kWh
Estimated annual SEG income = 1,000 × your export rate. For example, at 5p/kWh that’s about £50/year; at 15p/kWh about £150/year.
Why this matters: a higher export rate helps most if you export a lot. If you self-use most of your solar (for example, with a battery), the import tariff and overall household electricity costs may matter more than export headline rates.
Comparison: what to check on any SEG export tariff (including British Gas)
Because we can’t assume today’s supplier rates or product details will still be true in 2026, the best way to compare is to use a consistent checklist. This table shows the key questions that affect real-world export income and admin effort.
| What to compare | Why it matters | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Export rate (p/kWh) | Directly affects export income. | Is the rate variable/fixed? Can it change and how will you be told? |
| How export is measured | Affects accuracy and admin. | Smart export readings vs manual readings; frequency of readings. |
| Payment method & frequency | Cashflow and convenience. | Bank transfer vs bill credit; monthly/quarterly/other. |
| Eligibility evidence | Most common cause of delays. | What documents are required (e.g. certificate(s), DNO paperwork). |
| Whether you must be an import customer | Impacts switching flexibility. | Can you export with them while importing from another supplier? |
| Exit/switching terms | Avoid surprises if you change supplier. | Any contract length, notice periods, or fees (if applicable). |
Who an export tariff like this can suit
- You already have solar PV and a working export meter arrangement.
- You regularly export surplus (daytime empty house, summer surplus, no battery).
- You want a straightforward SEG payment without complex requirements.
Who it might not suit (or needs extra checking)
- Your export is low because you self-use most solar (battery, heat pump scheduling, EV charging at home).
- You don’t yet have acceptable export readings (meter set-up still pending).
- You’re missing paperwork (common with older installs or house moves).
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)
Most SEG frustrations come from the practicalities: meter data, paperwork, and timing. Use these checks before you commit to any export tariff.
1) Export meter readings aren’t set up
Some homes have a smart meter but export readings aren’t flowing yet. Until export data is available, payments can be delayed or estimated depending on supplier rules.
2) Missing certificates after a house move
If you bought a home with solar, you might not have the original documentation. You may need to request copies from the installer or previous owner, or ask the supplier what alternatives they accept.
3) Confusing import vs export choice
A strong export rate doesn’t automatically mean your overall energy costs are lowest. Your import unit rate, standing charge, and usage pattern still drive most bill impact.
4) Payment type assumptions
Some export tariffs pay as bill credit, others may pay to a bank account. If you’re budgeting, check how and when you’ll be paid.
5) Timing around switching
Switching supplier can temporarily interrupt readings or payment timelines. Keep copies of recent meter readings and confirmation emails, and ask what happens to any export balance.
6) “Best rate” headlines
Export tariffs can change quickly. Always confirm the current rate and terms at application, and keep a screenshot or PDF of the offer details you accepted.
If something goes wrong: start with the supplier’s complaints process. If unresolved, you can escalate to the Energy Ombudsman (after the supplier has had the required time or issued a deadlock letter). For practical guidance, Citizens Advice can help you understand your rights.
External help: Citizens Advice — energy supply guidance and Ombudsman Services: Energy.
FAQs: British Gas export tariff and SEG rates 2026
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) in 2026?
SEG is a UK scheme that pays eligible households for exporting renewable electricity (often solar PV) to the grid. Suppliers set their own export tariffs and terms, and you’re paid based on measured export, not total generation.
Do British Gas SEG rates apply if I don’t buy my electricity from British Gas?
It depends on the supplier’s rules for that export tariff. Some suppliers allow you to export with them even if you import elsewhere, while others require you to be an import customer too. Always check the current eligibility terms before switching.
Do I need a smart meter to get paid for export?
Often, yes—because smart export readings make payment more accurate and automated. However, requirements vary by supplier and by your existing meter set-up. The key is having an export meter arrangement that records exported kWh in a way the supplier can use.
How much can I earn from a SEG export tariff?
Your export income is roughly: exported kWh × export rate. Exported kWh depends on how much solar you generate and how much you use in the home (self-consumption). Because rates change, compare live export tariffs and run a quick estimate using your annual export.
Can I claim SEG if I’m already on the old Feed-in Tariff (FIT)?
If you’re receiving FIT payments, switching the export element to SEG may affect your FIT arrangements. Don’t change anything until you’ve checked the implications with your FIT licensee/supplier and understood what you would gain or lose.
What documents might I need for a SEG application?
Commonly requested items include proof your solar installation meets scheme requirements (often an MCS certificate or accepted equivalent), details of the system, and evidence of grid connection/notification. Suppliers may also ask for export meter details and bank information for payments.
How long does it take to start receiving SEG payments?
Timescales vary. Delays often happen if export readings aren’t being received or if certificates/paperwork are missing. A practical approach is to confirm your export meter is recording/exporting data, then keep copies of all submitted documents and supplier acknowledgements.
Is SEG available across England, Scotland and Wales?
SEG is a Great Britain scheme (England, Scotland and Wales). Eligibility still depends on supplier terms, your meter set-up, and your installation meeting the scheme requirements.
Trust, methodology and sources
Editorial accountability
- Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
- Last updated: February 2026
We aim to explain how export tariffs work in the UK and what to check before applying. Supplier terms change, so we focus on decision-making that stays useful even when rates move.
How we assess this (transparent methodology)
- Define the user goal: maximise value from export without breaking import savings.
- Identify decision drivers: export rate, measurement method, payment frequency, eligibility evidence, and switching constraints.
- Model scenarios: we use simple export-income maths (exported kWh × export rate) with stated assumptions to show sensitivity to rate changes.
- Limitations: we do not publish or guess supplier-specific rates or tariff names here; availability and pricing depend on postcode, meter type, and supplier updates.
Primary sources (UK)
- Ofgem — Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
- GOV.UK — energy information and guidance
- Citizens Advice — energy consumer help
Independence note: EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service. Where suppliers pay commission for switches, we still present available options based on your details and supplier data feeds, not on editorial preference.
Ready to check British Gas SEG rates against the market?
See current export tariff options for your postcode, plus import tariffs that may suit your household usage. No guesswork—just up-to-date availability and terms.
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