Removal of CSS Business Rule 1177 to reflect OFAF optionality
Summary
This change looks to remove business rule 1177, from the Central Switching Service (CSS) Message Business Data Validation Rules, which mandates that all Suppliers have a ‘One Fail All Fail’ (OFAF) reference included in their Switching Operational Data record in CSS. This was not the intended design. CSS system functionality will be updated as part of an operational change, as agreed at Switching go-live. This change is required to align the Data Specification with the operation of the system.
Latest update and next planned activity
Date of latest update
Latest Update
06/12/2023- This Change was implemented as part of the 6 December 2023 Extraordinary Release *No Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement impacts
Impacts Overview
Impacted Consumers
Electricity
Gas
Domestic
Non-Domestic
Impacted REC Parties and Market Participants
Energy Supplier
Priority and rationale
Standard
Priority last updated on 29 May 2026
Solution development
Problem Statement
As a Consumer, I want the operational switching processes to run efficiently so that my switching experience is not impacted
Proposed solution summary
- As the Code Manager, I want the REC to reflect the intended design and align to the CSS functionality so that I do not need to operate a workaround As the Switching Operator, I want the REC Data Specification to reflect the functionality as designed so that my obligations are clear
- As an Energy Supplier, I want the SOD, relating to my Market Participant Identifier/s (MPIDs), to accurately record my OFAF reference so that my OFAF qualification status is clearly understood
No documents available.
Change Plan
Preliminary Change Report and Consultation Issued
Completed
Start:
16 Jun 2023Due:
28 Jul 2023Completion:
27 Jul 2023Consultation Closed
Completed
Start:
28 Jul 2023Due:
18 Aug 2023Completion:
18 Aug 2023Final Change Report published
Completed
Start:
18 Aug 2023Due:
08 Sep 2023Completion:
08 Sep 2023Responsible Committee Decision
Completed
Start:
08 Sep 2023Due:
27 Sep 2023Completion:
15 Sep 2023Appeal Window Closed
Completed
Start:
27 Sep 2023Due:
02 Oct 2023Completion:
02 Oct 2023Original submission
Change details
Mark Pearce - RTS
16 Jun 2023
Change details
Removal of CSS Business Rule 1177 to reflect OFAF optionality
On CSS go live OFAF references were made mandatory for all supplier Switching Operational Data records in CSS. This was not in line with the original design which required suppliers to qualify for the ability to undertake OFAF switches.
A work around was put into place with the Code Manager providing dummy OFAF references for all suppliers that are not OFAF qualified to ensure that supplier records could be accepted into CSS and switching could take place as required.
The CSS system is due to be updated in November 2023 to align with the intended design, at which time the workaround will no longer be necessary.
This change requests a change to the CSS Message Business Data Validation Rules (category 2) at the November 2023 REC release to remove business rule 1177 to reflect the operation of the system after the system change has been made. The rule currently states:
“It is mandatory that roles of Supplier must have an OFAF Company Group supplied.
NB. A workaround (agreed with Landmark, DCC and RECCo) is in effect until the first scheduled release post-go-live, when this attribute will become optional in this scenario.”
This change aims to remove the business rule altogether.
Note that the system fix does not require a REC Change Proposal.
A work around was put into place with the Code Manager providing dummy OFAF references for all suppliers that are not OFAF qualified to ensure that supplier records could be accepted into CSS and switching could take place as required.
The CSS system is due to be updated in November 2023 to align with the intended design, at which time the workaround will no longer be necessary.
This change requests a change to the CSS Message Business Data Validation Rules (category 2) at the November 2023 REC release to remove business rule 1177 to reflect the operation of the system after the system change has been made. The rule currently states:
“It is mandatory that roles of Supplier must have an OFAF Company Group supplied.
NB. A workaround (agreed with Landmark, DCC and RECCo) is in effect until the first scheduled release post-go-live, when this attribute will become optional in this scenario.”
This change aims to remove the business rule altogether.
Note that the system fix does not require a REC Change Proposal.
The code manager has to generate a dummy OFAF reference for suppliers that are not OFAF qualified. This adds a small overhead but also creates Switching Operational Data that incorrectly reflects the accurate status of OFAF qualification for suppliers.
Removal of the relevant business rule.
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Impacts
Electricity, Gas, Domestic Prepayment, Domestic Credit, Microbusiness, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME), Industrial and Commercial (I&C)
Switching experience
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This change impacts the CSS Message Business Data Validation Rules document (category 2).
No details provided
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Switching Operator
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Energy Suppliers
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No details provided
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No details provided
Priority & timing
No
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The implementation of the operational fix to the CSS system now scheduled for November. This change is intended to align with the system change.
No details provided
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Activity
Proposed solution summary changed to As the Code Manager, I want the REC to reflect the intended design and align to the CSS functionality so that I do not need to operate a workaround As the Switching Operator, I want the REC Data Specification to…
Proposed solution summary changed to As the Code Manager, I want the REC to reflect the intended design and align to the CSS functionality so that I do not need to operate a workaround As the Switching Operator, I want the REC Data Specification to reflect the functionality as designed so that my obligations are clearAs an Energy Supplier, I want the SOD, relating to my Market Participant Identifier/s (MPIDs), to accurately record my OFAF reference so that my OFAF qualification status is clearly understood.
Show moreImplementation Date has been updated to 06 Dec 2023.
harriet.truss has been allocated as Lead Analyst.
Orphaned SME: Lead Technical Analyst has been allocated as SME.