Consumers across the UK – including thousands in Scotland – are at risk of losing hot water and heating when the signal which controls their electricity meters is switched off at the end of next month.
Most homes have standard meters and will not be affected. However, since the 1980s some customers have been put on Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters which use a longwave radio frequency to operate.
The RTS allows these meters to switch between peak and off-peak rates, or turn heating or hot water on and off, enabling energy suppliers to offer tariffs with cheaper off-peak rates.
However, the technology is now becoming obsolete and energy companies have a deadline to change their customers' meters by 30 June this year.
Progress has been made. Energy UK, which represents energy companies, say that more than 1,000 RTS meters are being replaced every day. Most RTS meter replacements will be a smart meter, which can be programmed to deliver a similar service to RTS and offer the best option for the vast majority of homes and businesses.
But at the end of April some 430,000 homes across the UK, and some 134,000 in Scotland, were still waiting to have their meter upgraded and there have been warnings that current rates of replacement may mean some homes with RTS meters will not have been upgraded before the technology is switched off.
Ofgem has said that without an appropriate meter replacement, some affected homes, schools and businesses with RTS meters could be left without heating and hot water, or unable to turn off their heating.
Other risks identified by Ofgem include electric storage heaters charging at the wrong time of day, possibly leading to higher bills, and the supplier being unable to confirm electricity usage during peak or off-peak times.
Naturally, consumers have been left concerned and confused about the risks associated with the RTS switch off and what to do about it – particularly those in vulnerable circumstances.
Electricity suppliers were due to have informed all affected customers of this change by the end of 2024. They are also required to take all reasonable steps to provide an appropriate alternative metering arrangement by the end of June 2025.
Despite the fact there has been ample time for the industry to plan, with just two months left before the deadline it is clear there is a risk of consumer harm. Replacement meters must be installed urgently to prevent this.
Suppliers have a responsibility to proactively seek out RTS consumers, who may not realise they are affected. But we strongly encourage householders who think they may be affected to contact their supplier to arrange a meter replacement as soon as possible.
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.