Prioritises simplicity
Prefer the structure needing less repeated intervention.
Both flat structures require less export timing work than a dynamic payment.
Tariff comparison
Outgoing Octopus vs Octopus SEG
Choose between two flat export-payment structures after checking eligibility and import pairing.
Edited by Rob Gibbs. Guidance reviewed: .
Overall verdict
Choose between two flat export-payment structures after checking eligibility and import pairing. There is no universal winner: use the measured evidence window, then test the result against your own consumption, equipment and current eligibility.
Historic profile evidence
Region: London. Profile: Typical household. Evidence window: 2026-08-01 to 2026-08-31.
Historic profile-weighted evidence, not a bill, forecast or switching quote. Standing charges remain separate.
Comparable evidence is incomplete, so this page does not name a lower-rate choice.
Which household does each structure fit?
Can shift or automate
Give more weight to the option that rewards controllable timing.
The published payment can change with product versions; exported kWh and eligibility drive total receipts.
Has specialist equipment
Check the equipment-led option only after exact compatibility is confirmed.
Both require eligible generation, export registration and suitable half-hourly metering.
Full feature comparison
| Feature | What differs |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Both require eligible generation, export registration and suitable half-hourly metering. |
| Eligibility | Confirm export MPAN, generation evidence, current payment rate and whether the chosen product requires Octopus import. |
| Effort and automation | Both flat structures require less export timing work than a dynamic payment. |
| Price variability | The published payment can change with product versions; exported kWh and eligibility drive total receipts. |
| Import/export pairing | SEG can be supplied separately under the scheme, while individual Octopus products can set their own import conditions. |
Equipment
Both require eligible generation, export registration and suitable half-hourly metering.
Eligibility
Confirm export MPAN, generation evidence, current payment rate and whether the chosen product requires Octopus import.
Household effort
Both flat structures require less export timing work than a dynamic payment.
Price risk
The published payment can change with product versions; exported kWh and eligibility drive total receipts.
Import and export pairing
SEG can be supplied separately under the scheme, while individual Octopus products can set their own import conditions.
Standing-charge treatment
Export payments are kept separate from import standing charges; no household import bill is assumed.
Seasonality
One complete month can differ from a trailing year. Heating, solar generation, EV mileage and wholesale conditions can all move with the season, so the evidence is not a forecast.
Break-even limits
A meaningful break-even needs comparable unit rates, standing charges and one explicit annual-use profile over the same evidence window. Export volume and timing are unknown, so a household break-even cannot be inferred.
When the answer could change
- Your annual kWh or half-hourly usage shape changes.
- Current product versions, prices or standing charges change.
- Equipment compatibility or supplier eligibility changes.
- A different season changes heating, driving, generation or export.
Questions people ask
Does Outgoing Octopus vs Octopus SEG have one winner?
No. The page separates measured historic evidence from household-specific constraints and does not predict future prices.
Does the ranking include a full bill?
No. Export is a payment direction and no import bill is netted against it.
Can the result change after I switch?
Yes. Rates, seasons, usage, product terms, device support and meter performance can all change.
Related equipment guides
Primary sources
- Export tariffs terms and conditions — Octopus Energy; checked 2026-08-27. Export contract, metering, MPAN, half-hourly data and generation eligibility requirements.
- Smart Export Guarantee guidance for generators — Ofgem; checked 2026-08-27. SEG scope, eligible generation technologies, application and payment principles.