Households will need to take action before the radio signal connecting their meters and energy suppliers shuts down
Approximately 314,000 households in the UK utilise Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters for their energy supply. However, the radio signal these meters depend on is being retired, which could lead to soaring bills or disruption to heating and hot water supplies for those who fail to act before the switch off.
The original deadline for this switch off was June 30, but just days ahead of this date, the government confirmed that the change will be implemented in a “cautious and targeted phase out”.
This update came after fuel poverty campaigners argued that the hard cut-off was “unachievable”. The government has assured those affected by the switch off that they will be contacted by their suppliers, who can advise on the necessary steps to take.
Disability charity Scope also highlighted: “We are urging disabled people to act, before Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters are switched off.”
Phil, Scope’s Disability Energy Support expert, shared his own experience: “I recently upgraded my own RTS meter, and this is what you need to know.”
He cautioned: “If you have an RTS meter (black box in the image), your heating and hot water supply could stop working as normal. You may find it’s continually left on or off, or the charging-up happens at the wrong time of day.
“Your energy bills could be much higher than before. This is because your electricity supplier won’t be able to confirm how much electricity you have used during peak or off-peak times. “
Miatta Fahnbulleh, the minister for energy consumers, made an announcement in a written statement on June 18, stating: “My department has stepped in to ensure there will be a managed and more controlled start of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) phase out from 30 June. People with an RTS meter will not face any unexpected disruption to their heating or hot water at the end of the month.”
The Scope expert urged consumers: “It’s important that you contact your energy supplier before the switch-off. This will ensure there is no disruption to your electricity supply or impact on your bills.”
“Contact your electricity supplier as soon as possible and ask for a free upgrade to a smart meter. You’re not required to accept a smart meter.
“In some cases, a smart meter upgrade may not be available. Your supplier must still provide a suitable alternative to keep your energy supply running properly. Speak to your supplier to understand the options available to you.”
To identify if you have an RTS meter, Phil outlined the following indicators:
- You have a separate switch box near your meter labelled ‘Radio Teleswitch’
- Your home is heated with electricity or storage heaters
- There’s no gas supply in your area
- You get cheaper energy at certain times of the day