Switching Programme Implementation Project
What is the Switching Programme?
The Switching Programme is an Ofgem led programme that aims to improve consumers’ experience of switching energy supplier, leading to greater engagement in the retail energy market. For this to happen, a new, faster and more reliable switching process has been designed over recent years and was implemented on 18 July 2022.
Leading this transformational Switching Programme, Ofgem, with the Data Communications Company as its delivery partner, has delivered a new Central Switching Service (CSS) to facilitate the new switching arrangements.
The Retail Energy Code (REC) placed transitional obligations on market participants to facilitate the effective and timely delivery of the Switching Programme. Now that the new switching arrangements have gone live, it governs the enduring operation of the CSS and end-to-end switching arrangements.
You can find out more about the Switching Programme here or contact switchingprogramme@ofgem.gov.uk
What is RECCo’s role in the Switching Programme?
RECCo has established a project to support the implementation of the Switching Programme through CSS go-live to the end of the Post Implementation Period, during which the Switching Programme will ensure that the arrangements are operating as expected prior to exit. The RECCo project has been separated into 4 workstreams:
Workstream 1 – RECCo Strategic Oversight
This is an important workstream to acknowledge RECCo’s strategic role in the delivery of the Switching Programme, the transition through the Post Implementation Period and then the move into the enduring REC arrangements post CSS go-live. It will ensure alignment with the broader RECCo strategic objectives, that progress against the RECCo Switching Programme Implementation Plan is reported into the relevant governance groups and highlight RECCo’s acceptance criteria for Switching Programme exist as we move into the enduring arrangements at the end of the Post Implementation Period.
Workstream 2 – REC Code Manager Preparation
RECCo has in place a robust plan with the REC Code Manager covering the new and amended activities that it will need to undertake from CSS go-live (e.g. change management, entry assessment). This plan supports reporting into Switching Programme milestones and internal reporting. The Code Manager has undertaken Business Process Testing, working closely with DCC and other service providers on operation readiness, and will monitor the suitability and robustness of these processes during the Post Implementation Period.
Workstream 3 – Enquiry Service Delivery
This workstream captures RECCo’s wider responsibilities under the Switching Programme as the Party Under Integration (PUI), responsible for the Electricity Enquiry Service (EES). RECCo became operationally responsible for delivery of the Electricity Enquiry Service role within the Switching Programme from September 2021. As a PUI, RECCo was required to participate in DBT activities and ensure the Electricity Enquiry Service Provider met its requirements in preparation for CSS go-live i.e. involvement in various phases of testing. Whilst this testing has now completed, it is important that RECCo continues to support the Switching Programme through the final stages of transition activities and during the Post Implementation Period to ensure end-to-end system and service stability has been delivered.
This workstream also included the work needed to prepare for RECCo becoming responsible for the Gas Enquiry Service from CSS go-live, which included putting in place a new contract with Xoserve for the service and ensuring that Access Agreements are in place with non-REC parties that want to use the service. This service has now been successfully onboarded and is operating within REC governance.
Workstream 4 – REC v3.0 Drafting
As part of the Ofgem’s Switching Significant Code Review (SCR), RECCo developed the REC Version 3.0 drafting. The REC Version 3.0 related documentation went live on 18 July 2022 and provides the governance for the implementation of the new Central Switching Service (CSS) and switching programme arrangements. The baselined REC documents are available to industry participants via the REC Portal.
How can I find out more information?
RECCo has been working closely with the Code Manager to ensure a communications plan is delivered for REC Parties to provide relevant training and information of what the implementation of the Switching Programme means for REC Parties.
If you have any suggestions for further training to support your organisation, please speak to your OAM or email enquiries@recmanager.co.uk.