Remaining Compliant – Raising an MCS Certificate

10th March 2020

We are aware that some Installers have been incorrectly advised that with the end of the Feed-in Tariff, they are not required to register their installations on the MID and raise an MCS certificate. This is not true.

Another misconception is that the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is guaranteed to be accessible without an MCS certificate. This is also untrue. The guidance from Ofgem is clear – you must have Standards in line with ISO17065. You need an MCS certificate to guarantee access to an energy provider’s export tariff. There is no other scheme that covers products and installers accredited in accordance with ISO17065.

Under the MCS Licence Agreement, Installers have an obligation to comply with scheme requirements for ALL installations. Clause 12 holds an Installer to account for compliance with the Installation Standard – with a clear obligation to register every installation. Clause 4.8 of MCS001-1 requires the registration of systems on the MID.

Ben Howe, Compliance and Enforcement Manager said, “Compliance with this requirement is not optional. Where this process is not followed and an installation is not registered on the MID when it is in scope, then you’re not meeting your obligations under the scheme. Also, if you are advertising that you are MCS certified then your customers will reasonably expect to receive an MCS certificate from you for their installation.”

He added, “The ramifications for customers are significant. They expect their installation to be compliant. While some suppliers may grant SEG payments without an MCS compliance certificate, others will not. An MCS compliance certificate guarantees consumers can access the best rates under the SEG. Without one, consumers could be left disadvantaged, with no recourse.”

Any installations that haven’t been registered with us – could now be considered non-compliant.

The Compliance Team are currently reviewing installation data to identify and contact potentially non-compliant Installers. The consequence being the suspension or termination of an Installer’s Licence Agreement for those found to be in breach (Clause 15).

If you need any further information or support, please contact the MCS Helpdesk Team on 0333 103 8130.