Mabuhay Energy Corporation
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Stage 1outer-ring3 min readMay 24, 2026

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

Na-miss ang LOI Deadline? Puwede Ka Pa Ring Lumipat sa Open Access

January 30, 2026 was the first LOI deadline, but RCOA is a permanent program. You can submit your LOI anytime and switch 90 days later.

Table of Contents

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still switch if I missed the January deadline?
Yes. The January 30, 2026 date was the initial LOI deadline for the first switching window. RCOA is a permanent regulatory program — you can submit your Letter of Intent at any time. The 90-day switching process begins from the date of your LOI acceptance.
When is the earliest I can switch now?
The switching timeline is 90 days from the date your Letter of Intent is accepted by your distribution utility. If you submit your LOI today, you can expect to transition approximately three months later. Your RES manages the timeline and coordinates all regulatory steps.
Is there a final deadline to switch?
No. RCOA is a permanent feature of the Philippine electricity market under EPIRA. There is no final deadline to switch. The program will continue to be available as long as the regulatory framework is in place, and the demand threshold may continue to lower over time.

See how the process works

From eligibility assessment to ongoing management — here is what switching looks like.

How it works →