Question & AnswerQ&A (Resolution NO. 09, S. 2018)
The primary objectives are to provide supplementary procedures on the customer switching method ensuring its effective implementation; to ensure efficient and timely exchange of information among competitive retail market participants; and to provide applicable billing procedures and disconnection processes for contestable customers.
Contestable customers are electricity end-users who meet the eligibility requirements and threshold levels set by the ERC to qualify for the Contestable Market, meaning they have the choice of a supplier of electricity.
No, a contestable customer shall not be allowed to switch to a new RES or SOLR if they have an outstanding balance with their Network Service Provider or incumbent RES. The outstanding balance must be settled prior to switching.
Under Single Billing, a contestable customer receives one consolidated bill from the RES which includes all charges, including Network Service Provider wheeling charges. The RES acts as a collecting agent on behalf of Network Service Providers.
The RES, or Primary RES in the case of multiple RES, must pay all amounts due to Network Service Providers within the timeframe specified in their Distribution Wheeling Service Agreement to avoid disconnection of service.
Prohibited acts include engaging in anti-competitive agreements, imposing fixed quantities or take-or-pay provisions in contracts, applying cancellation charges beyond six months prior to contract expiry, delaying metering data submission to the CRB, preventing contestable customers from entering supply contracts, and any discriminatory changes in load shedding protocols due to migration.
Reconnection occurs when the RES or Primary RES submits a notice of reconnection to the Network Service Provider, and the Network Service Provider must execute reconnection within 24 hours from receipt. Reconnection fees must be paid prior to reconnection.
No, RES are prohibited from keeping or being the custodian of the original Certificate of Contestability. They must surrender such certificates to the Contestable Customer upon verification.
The CRB must submit quarterly reports to the ERC listing contestable customers, meter numbers, registered demand, and metered quantities. DUs must submit monthly reports on end-users with peak demand thresholds, including billing, service info, and historical usage data.
The ERC shall impose appropriate fines and penalties for violations or non-compliance pursuant to the Guidelines to Govern the Imposition of Administrative Sanctions under Section 46 of RA 9136.