We are pleased to confirm that Ofgem’s Switching Programme gives a formal ‘Go’ decision at the Delivery Group on 30th June 2022.
The Switching Programme is an Ofgem-led programme that aims to improve consumers’ experience of switching energy suppliers, 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 ahead of being implemented.
RECCo established a project to support the implementation of the Switching Programme through go-live on the new Central Switching Service (CSS) 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.
Across our four project workstreams of Strategic Engagement, Code Manager Operational Readiness, Enquiry Services Party Under Integration and the development of REC version 3.0 drafting we have worked, in partnership with Ofgem, the Code Manager, the DCC and our other service providers and we have successfully delivered all of the following activities on time and within budget:
- Developed and delivered the necessary Retail Energy Code v3.0 drafting to support the governance and operation of the new arrangements (this covers the REC main body, 15 REC schedules, 7 Service Definitions, 4 API Data Specifications and 26 Category 3 REC Product documents);
- Met our Party Under Integration (PUI) obligations for the Electricity Enquiry Service (EES) including all design, build and test activities of the EES;
- Secured contracts with both the Gas and Electricity Enquiry Service Providers for the enduring management of the services by RECCo; and
- Completed our design and testing of all Code Manager related business processes (from change management to entry assessment) to ensure readiness for operating the new REC arrangements.
The completion of all RECCo workstreams means we are now ready for operating the new switching arrangements under the REC on 18th July 2022.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all industry parties, service providers and the switching programme for their support and collaboration in reaching this point and we look forward to continuing to work closely to support a smooth transition to REC governance and enduring operation of the new arrangements.
For further updates and progress about the transition period and enduring governance of the programme visit our news and insights page.
