It sounds simple – just start reading the meter data and calculate a credit to go on your statement. As the first supplier to offer a smart export tariff, we know there’s a little more to it than that.
There are four main steps to getting you onto Outgoing:
Check the FiT register. As it’s not possible to receive both FiT export payments AND measured export we always check the national FiT register to see what you’ve already got. This is a manual step where we look at your account with us and search for your address on Ofgem’s FiT register. If this shows you’re already on a FiT then we work with you on the options such as ceasing the Export part of FiT; this requires us to update the FiT register manually.
Check we have the right documentation. Aligned with the new Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) we need a copy of the MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certificate, the DNO (Distribution Network Operator) Notification form and the DNOs response. For older installs we’re seeing a high level that haven’t been notified to the DNO which can cause several weeks’ delay and frustration.
Use the industry systems to request a new, extra, identity for the meter called the Export MPAN. This is another system that we log on to and manually enter all the details. Responses take between 2 days and 2 weeks. If the DNO notification isn’t recorded the request gets rejected, or if the equipment installed is not compliant it gets rejected.
Set up our billing system with the new Export MPAN, preferred tariff and (where relevant) line up the FiT Export end date. Typically it takes 2 to 4 days for the different industry systems that our platform connects to to complete everything.
In addition, as export requires a smart meter, we'll arrange the install in parallel for anyone that doesn't already have a supported smart meter. Typically we aim to install smart meters within one to two months. Once the meter is installed, typically it takes up to 10 days for the various industry systems to catch up and for our platform to start to receive half-hourly data.