Consumer Scotland has responded to an announcement by energy regulator Ofgem on the replacement of 800,000 Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters across Great Britain. Of these, around a quarter are located in Scotland.
The service will be switched off next summer and customers who have an RTS meter - or those who are not sure if they have one – are being urged to contact their energy supplier for advice and make an appointment for an engineer to visit their home.
Ofgem has said that without an appropriate meter replacement some affected homes, schools and businesses could be left without heating and hot water, or unable to turn off their heating.
Chief Executive of Consumer Scotland Sam Ghibaldan said:
“Urgent action is required to ensure consumers do not suffer harm as a result of the switch-off, so we welcome the agreement between Ofgem, industry and consumer groups to find a joint solution.
“We encourage affected households to contact their supplier to arrange a meter replacement as soon as possible. Suppliers also have a responsibility to proactively seek out RTS consumers, who may not realise they are affected.
“As part of Ofgem’s working group on this issue Consumer Scotland will continue to monitor progress and help coordinate efforts to ensure consumers in Scotland are protected.”
Background
As of 1 June 2024, 862,713 domestic and small business premises in Great Britain were reliant on the Radio Teleswitch Service signal for peak/off-peak switching and electric heating load control. Of these, 241,724 (28%) are located in Scotland.
The RTS signal will be withdrawn on 30 June 2025.