MCS responds to the Smart Export Guarantee Consultation

5 March 2019

MCS has today published its response to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) consultation from BEIS.

The UK government issued a consultation on a proposed ‘Smart Export Guarantee’ (SEG) system, designed as a partial replacement for Feed-In Tariffs (FiTS), which are set to disappear from April 2019.

Under this Smart Export Guarantee, energy suppliers will be required to offer a payment for the electricity households with solar PV panels, and other small-scale renewable electricity generators, export to the grid.

Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS said: “We believe that it is of paramount importance that MCS forms part of the criteria for the SEG. At the heart of our response, is an obligation to protect consumers and support our members – who, over the years have demonstrated their commitment to the uptake of low carbon technologies into homes, whilst meeting a quality standard.

MCS works to support reputable installers from across our industry as we try and nurture consumer confidence. A strategic objective for MCS as we move forward is a more decisive approach to compliance and enforcement.”

He added, “The introduction of the SEG, with a clear obligation to be MCS certified, will act as a conduit for a more robust microgeneration marketplace that will contribute to the growth of quality assured installations.

MCS is more than an access mechanism to a government incentive. It allows Installers to evidence their compliance to the sector’s quality standard, supports building regulations self-certification, the Council of Mortgage lenders policy in relation to lending on homes that include a solar PV system and finance companies who can require MCS to offer competitive rates – as adherence to the MCS quality standard is seen to reduce their risk under the Consumer Credit Act.

We actively promote consumer interests by setting out the principles of effective customer service and protection. This goes above and beyond consumer law obligations and sets a higher standard, showing consumers clearly that MCS members can be trusted.”