It’s not been a very good time for the energy industry.
Not just in the UK in the rest of Europe too.
However, as much as it may seem, it is not all doom and gloom. There are some rather interesting developments happening in the very near future which will benefit UK energy consumers and suppliers alike.
Keep reading to find out more about faster switching and the new Central Switching Service.
What is CSS?
On the 18th of July 2022 there will be a massive industry system upgrade taking place, enhancing and improving the systems used to manage the customer switching process. This welcome development will replace the old national database with the intention of improving the reliability of switching. This upgrade is part of the wider faster switching reforms brought in and managed by the energy regulatory body, Ofgem.
The new database has been given the name ‘Central Switching Service (CSS)’ and the CSS is currently scheduled to go live on the 18th of July 2022. As you can expect, there may be some minor disruption to customers who wish to switch their supplier during the month of July. These minor teething problems are entirely to be expected and should not be a cause for concern.
CSS Explained
Some important dates and facts to know are included below:
- Switches with a supply start date prior to 18th July 2022 need be submitted by 4th July 2022 (this is known as T1). This means that after 30th June 2022 we will not be accepting any new contracts with a supply start date prior to 18th July 2022.
- From now on until 1st August 2022, we won’t be accepting any new contracts with a supply
start date between 18th July 2022 and 31st July 2022. To manage customers’ expectations
and avoid any unforeseen circumstances, the earliest supply start date we can accept on 1st
August 2022 is 10th August 2022.
- Switches with a supply start date from 18th July 2022 onwards need to be held and submitted after the CSS go live. This means that any contracts already submitted with a
supply start date in the week commencing 18th July 2022, will not go live on their preferred
date. This also means that any contracts already submitted with a supply start date in the
week commencing 25th July 2022 may experience a slight delay in going live.
Teething Problems and Potential Delays
Niccolo Gas and Power will operate a 5 working day switch from the Central Switching Service live date. This falls well within Ofgem expectations, but means that customers switching to Niccolo Gas and Power in the week beginning 18th of July 2022 will not be able to go live until at least the 22nd of July 2022. We are doing everything in our power to ensure a smooth transition for both existing and potential customers of ours. As the new system may encounter some minor problems, there is also further risk of potential further delays in going live up until the 29th of July 2022.
Any customers leaving Niccolo Gas and Power before the 18th of July 2022 will be expected to be able to switch to a new supplier without any disruption. This is of course dependent on the new supplier completing all of the required activities and paperwork and Niccolo Gas and Power having no reason to object to the switch. Any customers whose contracts end closer to the 18th of July 2022 and are due to be switching that week will not be able to switch on their preferred supply start date. It is wise to expect the new supply with arranged supplier to be delayed slightly.
We at Niccolo Gas and Power encourage all of our commercial partners and brokers to contact their customers to outline and discuss all of the options available to them. We also encourage all customer who wish to switch to Niccolo Gas and Power to speak to their current supplier to discuss a short-term extension on their current contract or to consider switching to us slightly earlier than their preferred supply start date. At the very least, some time before the 18th of July 2022. Any customers who wish to leave Niccolo Gas and Power in the week beginning the 18th of July 2022 or who may be entering into their renewal period but have not yet renewed are encouraged to consider their options with their current supplier before contacting us.
Key Dates to Know
| Transition milestone | Date | Fuel | Description |
| T0 (30 working days before CSS go live) | 6 June 2022 | Gas | This is the last date when registrations with SSD + 30 working days can be submitted. Any registrations with SSD from 18th July 2022 must be held and submitted after 18th July 2022. |
| T0 (28 days before CSS go live) | 22 June 2022 | Electricity | This is the last date when registrations with SSD + 28 days can be submitted. Any registrations with SSD from 18th July 2022 must be held and submitted after 18th July 2022. |
| T1 (14 days before CSS go live) | 4 July 2022 | Gas and Electricity | This is the last day when registrations with SSD prior to 18th July can be submitted. |
| T2a (6 days before CSS go live) | 12 July 2022 | Gas | This is the last day when initial gas registrations with SSD before 18th July 2022 can be submitted. Any initial gas registrations with SSD from 18th July 2022 must be held and submitted after 18th July 2022. |
| T2 (5 days before CSS go live) | 13 July 2022 | Electricity | This is the last day when initial electricity regulations with SSD before 18th July 2022 can be submitted. Any initial electricity registrations with SSD from 18th July 2022 must be held and submitted after 18th July 2022. |
| T2 (5 days before CSS go live) | 13 July 2022 | Gas and Electricity | This is the last day when registrations can be objected or withdrawn. |
| CSS go live | 18 July 2022 | – | This is the first day when registrations with SSD from 18th July 2022 can be submitted |
| T3 (5 working days after CSS go live) | 22 July 2022 | – | Niccolo Gas and Power will operate a 5 working day switch from CSS go live. This is the earliest possible SSD for registrations with SSD after 18th July 2022. |
A Final Word from Niccolo Gas and Power
Over the next few weeks we will be reaching out to affected customers in order to encourage early engagement. If you have any further queries regarding the system upgrade and any potential impacts then please reach out to us through the usual contact channels, included below.
Niccolo Gas and Power
At Niccolo Gas and Power, we know how important it is to have an energy supplier that is reachable, friendly, and clear.
For many businesses, uncertainty can be paralysing. This is why we spend so long creating free guides, resources, and manning our many contact channels.
So, if you want an energy supplier that offers competitive rates, insightful online resources, and a friendly helping hand – look no further. Contact us today at:
Phone Number: 0131 610 8868
Email: info@niccolo.co.uk
Enquiry Form: Click Here