Export tariffs

In addition to the main generation tariff, you get an extra payment for electricity exported to the grid

What is the export tariff?

It is a bonus payment for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of surplus electricity your system exports to the electricity grid.

When this payment is received you are effectively selling that electricity to the energy supply company, who can then deliver it to other customers.

This payment has been established to provide an incentive for energy efficiency as you will get paid extra for every kWh you don't use but export instead.

How much is the export tariff?

A 'floor price' has been set in the legislation. For the year from 1st April 2011 this is 3.1p/kWhr. It is index-linked to the retail price index (having started at 3p/kWh when the scheme was introduced.

You are entitled to receive this or you also have the opportunity to opt out of this fixed price and try to negotiate a better rate with your electricity supplier. You have the opportunity each year to decide whether to accept the floor price or to opt out.

Unlike the generation tariff, this element will be the same whatever type of renewable energy is used.

How are the exports measured?

All the power flows relating to the tariffs will in due course be metered.

However, in the initial years before Smart Meters are widely used, the export element will be deemed to be 50% of the power generated by the system.

Those generating electricity who believe their exports are substantially higher than this will be allowed to install suitable export meters and be paid on the metered level of exports.

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