Missed the LOI Deadline? You Can Still Switch to Open Access

January 30, 2026 was the first deadline — but you are not locked out

The January 30, 2026 LOI deadline received significant attention as the first formal switching window under the 100kW threshold expansion. Many businesses that were still evaluating their options or were unaware of the program missed this date. The good news: RCOA is a permanent regulatory program, not a one-time opportunity. You can begin the switching process at any time.

The 90-day rule: submit LOI anytime, switch 90 days later

The switching timeline under RCOA is straightforward: once your Letter of Intent is accepted by your distribution utility, the formal transition process takes approximately 90 days. This includes metering coordination, regulatory processing, and the actual supply transition. There is no penalty for submitting your LOI after the initial deadline — the process and timeline are the same.

What to do now: assess eligibility, talk to an RES, prepare documentation

If you missed the January deadline, use this time productively. First, confirm your eligibility by checking your average monthly peak demand. Second, research and engage with a licensed Retail Electricity Supplier who can assess your situation, explain your options, and prepare the necessary documentation. Third, gather your recent electricity bills, business registration, and any relevant facility information your RES may need.

The cost of waiting

Every month you remain on your distribution utility's bundled rate is a month without visibility into your supply costs, without the ability to negotiate your rate, and without consumption data that could inform operational decisions. For businesses subject to GMBD (Guaranteed Minimum Billing Demand) penalties, the cost of inaction compounds. The switching process takes 90 days — the sooner you begin, the sooner you gain transparency and control over your electricity costs.