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How does selling electricity back to the grid work?

Under the Clean Export Guarantee, your electricity supplier pays for surplus micro-generated electricity exported to the grid. You need a smart meter, an ESB Networks NC6 notification and an export tariff agreed with your supplier.

Your installer submits the NC6 form to ESB Networks confirming the micro-generation installation. ESB Networks records the installation against your MPRN and, where a smart meter is in place, export readings are collected automatically.

Tariffs are set by suppliers and vary, so it is worth comparing. Export payments are typically credited against your bill rather than paid as cash, and a limited annual amount of export income is exempt from income tax.

Steps to get paid

  • Install through a registered installer
  • NC6 notification submitted to ESB Networks
  • Smart meter installed and configured for export
  • Export tariff agreed with your electricity supplier

Sources

Last reviewed 28 August 2026. General information only — not legal or planning advice.

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