How you can switch to a cheaper supplier

Switching to a Retail Electricity Supplier (RES) via the Retail Aggregation Program (RAP) may sound technical, but the steps are straightforward once broken down. Think of it as a series of milestones, with each party—you, us (My Powerhouse), your new RES, and your distribution utility (DU)—having a clear role to play.

Here's your journey to becoming a contestable customer in the retail market (from being a captive customer by your DU) and what to expect:

Step 1

3 easy steps to sign up:

1. Register by uploading your most recent electricity bill (you have to upload again once you get a new one)

2. Opt in to the cheapest rate offer sourced from any energy mix (Standard Energy) or 100% renewable sources (Green Energy)

3. Read the terms and conditions then sign the standard Retail Supply Contract (RSC) template between you and the supplier (RES)

Once done, your community needs to reach the required peak demand threshold (500 kilowatt) set by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to be eligible. When your Retail Aggregated Group (RAG) does, we start a competitive bidding process with our partner RES that are duly licensed by ERC.

Step 2

Awarding the RES with the cheapest rate

Within five (5) working days of reaching the threshold, we will finish the bidding process with our partner RES to get you the cheapest rate possible. Once done, you will see all tendered offers (in the form of a Fixed Discount Rate) and the winning RES that your contract will be awarded to.

The Fixed Discount Rate (FDR) offered by our partner suppliers is a percentage reduction from the prevailing generation charge declared by your DU for its captive customers during the corresponding billing period on its published rate schedule.

Disclaimer: We do not control what discounts (FDR) our suppliers offer but our commitment is that they will offer a discount to the generation charge of your DU, which means that you will always have a lower rate than the captive market.

Step 3

Notifying your DU

Your new supplier (RES) will then inform your distribution utility (e.g. MERALCO if you live in Greater Manila Area) that you are switching.

This step ensures your current utility knows where your electricity supply will come from moving forward. You will also sign a Connection Agreement (CA) with your utility to continue providing you the electricity supply.

Step 4

Upgrading to a smart meter

As required by ERC, your meter must be a smart one—capable of reading your consumption every 5-10 minutes (instead of once a month only) and transmitting data to your DU in real-time. If your meter isn't doing this yet, they will replace your old analog meter with a new smart meter within the next 90 calendar days from Step 2.

Disclaimer: You are not expected to pay for the cost of this new meter as an upfront one-time fee that is only charged to you. DUs are regulated by ERC and need to file for their distribution charges; this metering-related cost is intended to be recovered socially through a rate reset of the Distribution Charges for everyone in their franchise area.

Step 5

Switching to your new supplier

Once your meter is ready, the official switch will commence on the next billing cycle. There will be no disruption to your service when you switch; it is so seamless that you won't even notice it.

We will just notify you once you are switched and when to expect the new bill that you will get from your account at My Powerhouse.

Key things to note:

1. There may be delays on replacing your meter

This is out of our control as your DU may need regulatory requirements and RES coordination to schedule your switch. We'll do our best to update you on the latest but there will be no disruption to your service due to this.

2. You will not pay for anything until the new bill arrives

If anyone solicits money on our behalf, that's not us because we don't charge anything to you for wanting to get cheaper electricity bills. Everything will be transacted on our platform, and you'll just need to pay your bills as is.

3. My Powerhouse is a platform, not an electricity provider

Your electricity supply is provided by the RES and delivered by the DU. We only help facilitate the transaction between you and them, but we will always help you coordinate with our partner suppliers (RES) who coordinate with the DU always.

Final Note: Switching to RAP may take a few months, but the rewards—lower bills, more choice, and long-term savings—make the journey worth it. And with My Powerhouse, you don't have to navigate the process alone.