Technical Support

Anyone else out there in UK, can't export to Octopus because you're a non-MCS installation?

Current legislation says providers must offer to buy power (the SEG rule); but can offer whatever price they like (no minimum). They can, but need not, insist on an MCS certificate (in the Olden Days, under the FIT, MCS was mandatory). The only outfit I've found that will buy without an MCS certificate is SO Energy. They only pay 5p / kWh. Octopus, Shell, EDF and Uniper won't.

Several times Ive asked Octopus why they need this, when we have produced our proof of acceptance by, and registration with, our DNO, who are the real technical guardians of the system. Once I've countered their faux-technical reasons, they always fall back on "well thats just our rule". Knowing Octopus to be somewhat chaotic, I re-try this every couple of months. The conversation is different every time, but the answer is eventually No.

I wrote to Jacob Rees-Mogg (Minister for BEIS at the time, which sets the rules, according to OFGEM, whom I also approached for help); predictably, he didn't jump to fix it. But I'm not much good at lobbying. Don't even have a Twitter account.

Anyone got any ideas about how to change this?

I've just written to Octopus - see below.

Greg Jackson

CEO

Octopus Energy Ltd.

Dear Greg,

I so admire what Octopus is doing. Nobody else is even trying.

However, I think there’s a policy trick you’re missing.

Octopus’ insistence on an MCS certificate shuts out the keenest solar generators, like me, who design and manage our plants ourselves. We supply our own consumption and substitute our gas usage, but as we could only export for 5p /kWh (to SO Energy), we often heat our patios and pools instead. Even from 4 to 7pm! Shocking; but, lacking an Octopus contract, rational.

The MCS certificate is like the London black taxicab license – it served a purpose once, but it’s now anti-competitive, and its Uber Moment is surely coming. It should be a choice, not a closed shop. Octopus stands for pioneering; competition; less red tape. Please, buy power from us non-MCS Privateers. We are authorised and registered with our DNOs, which is all the assurance you need. Surely that’s more in line with your values than supporting a cartel whose rent-seeking restricts competition, slows uptake, and drives wasteful behaviour?