The old Radio Teleswitching System (RTS) meters are becoming obsolete, putting hundreds of thousands of homes at risk of losing hot water or heating. Energy companies are struggling to replace these outdated meters with smart meters before the 30th of June deadline. More than 300,000 homes could potentially face heating issues, according to campaigners, prompting energy regulator Ofgem to highlight this as an urgent consumer welfare issue. The government is urging the industry to expedite the pace of meter replacements to mitigate any potential disruptions.
RTS meters, which have been in use since the 1980s, utilize a longwave radio frequency to toggle between peak and off-peak rates. With the technology nearing its end, energy companies are under pressure to switch all customers’ meters by the looming June deadline. As of the end of March, approximately 430,000 households still utilize RTS meters for their heating and hot water needs. Although Energy UK reports over 1,000 daily replacements, this rate needs to escalate significantly to meet the target within the timeframe.
Ned Hammond, Energy UK’s deputy director for customers, acknowledged the challenges in replacing all RTS meters by the deadline. Simon Francis from the End Fuel Poverty Coalition highlighted the risk of prolonged disruptions for vulnerable households due to limited engineer availability, especially in rural regions. While RTS meters primarily control heating and hot water, other electrical components in homes such as plug sockets and lights are unlikely to be impacted by the switch-off. The original plan to decommission the RTS network by March 2024 was extended to allow energy companies more time for the transition.
Despite efforts to replace RTS meters with smart meters, some consumers express reluctance due to concerns about accuracy and varying functionality based on geographic location. Residents like Jane from Norfolk and Diane Gray from Cumbria share their apprehensions about the forced transition. Consumers without the option for a smart meter must ensure their supplier installs a suitable replacement, as outlined by Ofgem. If you identify with specific indicators such as an Economy 7 tariff or no gas supply in your area, it’s advisable to proactively reach out to your supplier regarding the meter replacement. However, beware of potential scams posing as meter replacement services that require payment
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