Switching Electricity Suppliers: Documents Needed & What’s in a Retail Supply Contract

To switch to a Retail Electricity Supplier (RES) under RCOA, a contestable business prepares a short set of documents, then signs a Retail Supply Contract (RSC) that fixes its price, term, and billing. Most of the regulatory filing is handled by your chosen RES on your behalf. The switch takes about 90 days, with no power interruption.

Who can switch?

Businesses that meet the contestable-customer threshold can choose their supplier. From 26 June 2026 the threshold drops from 500 kW to 100 kW of average monthly peak demand. Engagement and contracting are already open now; 26 June 2026 is the energization date. Sites under one distribution-utility franchise area can also aggregate demand to reach 100 kW under the Retail Aggregation Program (RAP).

What documents do I need to switch to a RES?

Most of the regulatory filing is prepared and submitted by your chosen Retail Electricity Supplier (your Primary RES) on your behalf to the market operator (IEMOP, the Central Registration Body), through the Switch Request Form (SRF). The rules require:

• Switch Request Form (SRF): filed by your Primary RES with IEMOP (the CRB) at least 7 working days before the switch date
• Nomination and Assignment of Primary Retail Supplier: you (the end-user) execute it; your RES files it as part of the SRF
• Notarized attestations from the end-user, your distribution utility (NSP), and the metering service provider: the parties sign, and your RES compiles them
• Proof of authority of signatories, such as a board resolution or secretary’s certificate (for corporate customers)
• Metering requirements (Metering Installation Registration Form): handled by your metering service provider with your RES
• Prudential and security requirements, per your RES and the rules
• No outstanding balance with your distribution utility, or an agreed payment arrangement, settled before the switch

It is recommended to execute the SRF together with your Retail Supply Contract, connection agreement, metering service agreement, and distribution wheeling services agreement. These requirements are set under ERC Resolution No. 13, Series of 2024 (the Omnibus Rules for Customer Choice Programs in the Retail Market) and IEMOP Retail Market Bulletin No. 2024-02.

What is in a Retail Supply Contract (RSC)?

• The parties (you and the RES) and your contracted capacity
• The price structure: fixed, variable or market-linked, or hybrid
• The contract term, duration, and effective date
• The billing option and payment terms
• Early-termination terms (read these carefully; they vary by contract)

How long does switching take, and will my power be interrupted?

About 90 days end to end, driven by the advance-notice rule. You must give your distribution utility (the Network Service Provider) notice of your intention to switch at least 90 calendar days before your target switch date. The Switch Request Form is then filed by your RES at least 7 working days before that date. Your power is not interrupted: you stay physically connected to the same DU wires, and only your supply contract changes.

What are my cooling-off rights?

Contestable customers have a 5-business-day cooling-off period after signing: five business days (excluding weekends and holidays), or a longer period if both parties agree in writing, counted from the signing of the Retail Supply Contract. Use it to review the RSC terms, especially price escalators and early-termination clauses.