In escaping the collar, he obviously didn't use the One Power. And here's where it gets dicey: A recent post about a book signing had Sanderson saying no one channels the True Power without the Dark One's permission. I interpreted that answer to be very emphatic and absolute. The assumption by many is that Rand channeled the True Power via his link with Moridin. But if Sanderson's statement is fact, then that's not possible. That only leaves the possibility that he channeled some other power.

It seems implausible, I know, but what else can I conclude from the information known?