Feed-in tariff scheme
The Feed in Tariff (FIT) scheme was an environmental programme aimed at promoting the uptake of renewable and low-carbon electricity generation. You're paid for all the electricity you generate, you may also be paid for what you don’t use and export to the grid.
The FIT scheme is now closed to new applicants.
If you're not already registered for FIT, but you have installed renewable or low carbon technology, you may be able to apply for the Smart Export Guarantee.
If you’re an existing FIT customer and have a smart electricity meter, you can op out of FIT export and into SEG export by filling in this digital form (PDF, 50kb) and emailing it to us. Your FIT generation payments would be unaffected.
What would you like to do?
Submit a generation meter reading
To fill out our form, click the button below. Alternatively, you can also email us at: feedintariff@britishgas.co.uk
Receive FIT payments by bank transfer
We can now send you FIT payments directly into your bank account.
Microgeneration Meter Check
Every two years, as part of the FIT regulations, we need to verify the meter reading(s) used to record the electricity you generate and export to the grid. This will make sure payments continue without disruption.
To complete your meter check via email
On your 2-year anniversary, please send us a photograph of your meter which clearly shows the meter reading and the meter serial number.
To complete your meter check via phone
Please call us, we're here 8am-5pm Monday to Friday, and we'll book your meter reading check at a time and date to suit you. Your appointment should only take a few minutes.
More information
FIT Change of Ownership
Apply for an existing British Gas Feed in Tariff to be registered in your name.
FIT Switch Request Form
Switch your FIT payments to British Gas from another FIT LIcensee.
FIT to SEG application form
Please complete this form if you currently get British Gas Feed-in Tariff export payments and would like to apply for Smart Guarantee export payments.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my Feed in Tariff export payments changing?
We can now collect export readings from your smart meter which means we no longer need to deem the export at 50% of your generation reading. This makes your payments more accurate.
Why can’t I continue to receive deemed export payments?
Now we’re able to use your smart export meter readings, we’re no longer able to deem your export readings. This is a regulatory requirement Feed-in Tariffs: Guidance for FIT Generators | Ofgem.
What does deemed export mean?
When the actual export reading isn’t available, deemed export readings are used, and are based on the generation reading. For Solar PV installations, export is deemed at 50% of the generation reading.
What does metered export mean?
Metered export uses an actual meter reading from the export register on your smart meter, or from a separate export meter.
What tariff will I be on/How much will I be paid?
Your FIT generation tariff will be the same for the duration of your FIT contract. Your export tariff can remain on FIT, or you can choose to opt out of FIT export payments and into payments from another export scheme, such as Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
For details on the British Gas SEG export scheme, including our current SEG export tariffs, see: Our Best Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Tariffs - British Gas
What is the Smart Export Guarantee scheme?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government scheme that pays homes and businesses for selling electricity back to the grid. So you can earn money for the excess electricity you generate from renewable technologies, like solar panels.
Can I receive both FIT and SEG payments?
You can only receive one export payment. So, you can receive FIT generation and SEG export payments, but you can’t receive export payments from both FIT and SEG.
If I move to SEG export, will I lose my FIT generation payments?
No, your FIT generation payments will continue for the duration of your FIT contract.
Can I change back to FIT export after I have moved to SEG export?
Yes, but there’s a 12 month opt in/out rule. This means you can only opt in and out of FIT export payments once every 12 months. After this time, you can move from SEG to FIT metered export payments, but it won’t be possible to go back to FIT deemed export payments.
Should I stay on FIT export or move to SEG export?
This is up to you – however, we’d recommend researching which export tariff would best suit your needs. Your SEG supplier does not have to be the same company as your FIT supplier and/or your Energy supplier, and different SEG suppliers may offer different tariffs.
How do I read the export register on my smart meter?
Just follow the instructions from your meter’s ‘sleep mode’. Don’t wake your meter first.
Landis+Gyr (SMETS1)
- Press and hold the A button for 3 to 4 seconds.
- Press the A button until TOTAL Act Export display is seen. This could be up to 13 button presses.
- You should see ‘Total Act Export’ and your export reading on the screen in kWh.
Landis+Gyr (SMETS2)
- Press the A button twice.
- Press and hold the A button for 3 to 4 seconds.
- Press the A button until TOTAL Act Export is displayed. This can be up to 23 individual button presses.
- You should see ‘Total Act Export’ and your export reading on the screen in kWh.
Elster (SMETS2)
- Press the A button.
- Press the B button 3 times.
- Press the A button twice and then press button B once.
- You should see ‘Cum Export’ and your export reading on the screen in kWh.
Secure (SMETS1)
- Press the 9 key twice.
- You should see your export reading on the screen in kWh.
EDMI (SMETS2)
Your meter will automatically cycle between 3 different readings at 5-second intervals. So you may have to wait until the ‘EXPRT’ reading comes back around to take your photo.
Why do I need to send readings when I have a smart meter?
Sometimes meters can lose connection and stop communicating, If this happens, we may need you to send us the reading from your meter.
Which meter should I take the reading from?
For your export reading, read the export register on your smart meter – it’s on the same meter that’s read for your energy bill, but in a separate reading register. Take your generation reading from your generation meter.
Why do you need a photograph of my meter?
A photo helps us verify your meter serial number, and that your reading is for exported rather than imported electricity.
What’s a DNO?
A Distribution Network Operator (DNO), or ‘distributor,’ is a company that’s responsible for a region’s electricity infrastructure. Before installing a renewable electricity system, you’ll need to complete a DNO application first.
What’s an export MPAN?
A Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) is a supply number that’s unique to each smart meter. Your export MPAN is linked to the electricity you export to the grid.
It’ll be different to the supply number you’ll see on bills you receive from your energy supplier, which is for the electricity you import from the grid.
If you’re joining the SEG scheme for the first time, we’ll create and register your export MPAN for you. If you’re moving your SEG to us from another provider, we’ll get your export MPAN directly from them.