Latest news with #RadioTeleswitch
The Guardian
24-06-2025
- General
- The Guardian
UK energy meter switch-off delayed amid fears over heating and higher bills
As the temperature climbed towards 30C the peril of turning off a system that could leave people with their heating stuck on full must have looked like an avoidable disaster. On Thursday ministers confirmed the 'widespread switch-off' of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), which controls an old type of electricity meter, 'will not happen' on 30 June. Instead the technology will be phased out more slowly. The first stage will involve a maximum of 600 households over a three-week period, and during this time the response times of suppliers to vulnerable consumers will be monitored closely. But campaign groups say they are waiting for details of the new timetable, and want assurances that customers will not end up paying more when they are forced to switch meters. Introduced in the 1980s, RTS was designed for people who also use electricity for their heating and hot water. It uses the long-wave radio frequency to switch meters between tariffs and can also turn heating and hot water systems on and off. Suppliers had been given a deadline of 30 June to transfer customers away from the old technology, but problems in the transition – reported by the Guardian last month – led to fears that 300,000 homes could end up without a functioning meter. Readers have continued to report problems obtaining an appointment or problems with replacements. Some were told a smart meter would not work in their home because of poor connectivity or even that there was currently no suitable tech that would integrate with their home set-up. 'We've had three visits from Ovo engineers, all of whom advise a smart meter cannot be installed as the signal is too weak,' one married couple, who wished to remain anonymous, living near Chichester in West Sussex, said. 'This has been going on for about 15 months.' Energy UK, the energy industry trade body, said there are now technical solutions for every home. If a customer has previously been told a replacement is not possible, they should recontact their supplier, it added. These solutions include a pre-programmed smart meter. After being contacted by the Guardian this is the solution being offered to the couple. It can be remotely switched to smart when signal strength improves. Ovo said: 'We have solutions in place for exceptional cases like this and remain committed to supporting them in scheduling an appointment to replace the meter.' Other consumers are worried about what the switch off could mean for their energy bill. The old-fashioned RTS systems often include panel heaters or immersion heaters in water tanks that charge overnight when electricity is cheaper. 'My advice to anyone with storage heaters contemplating a change to a smart meter would be: don't,' said Bryan Jones, who lives in Redruth in Cornwall. Having his meter replaced by EDF 18 months ago (the network was originally due to be switched off in March 2024) was, he said, 'one of the worst financial decisions I have ever taken'. 'Initially my smart meter was set up incorrectly to charge all units at day rates,' he said. 'This was subsequently corrected but the adjusted smart meter then malfunctioned in different ways.' 'A recent review of my electricity usage between January and April 2025 has revealed that a third of my night units have been charged as day units, due to the smart meter overriding my heater settings.' Two appointments to replace the meter were missed by the supplier. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion Jones is now on a priority list to have his meter changed. After the Guardian contacted EDF it apologised for the missed appointments and applied compensation. It is now investigating the billing errors. Ofgem, the energy regulator for Great Britain, said 'no customer should be financially disadvantaged' as a result of the swap. Suppliers should be 'offering the same or equivalent tariffs after their RTS meter has been upgraded', it added. The meters are replaced at a rate of 1,800 a day but Ofgem wants the work to 'go faster' still. The government said the energy minister, Ofgem and Energy UK will meet fortnightly to review the progress of the phase-out, with particular attention paid to Scotland where about a third of the remaining meters are located. Charlotte Friel, the Ofgem director for retail pricing and systems, said the cautious approach being adopted 'should reassure customers' but it 'remains crucial that these meters are replaced urgently'. 'It's vital to engage with your supplier when offered an appointment,' she added. Simon Francis, the coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said the RTS switch-off process was doomed to failure after it became clear that the deadline was simply unachievable. 'We now need to see a plan published that sets out how the gradual switch-off will take place, including which regions will be affected and when,' he said. 'Crucially, we also need firm and binding reassurances that no customers will be left without heating or hot water, and that no household will face higher bills as a result of the changes.'
Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Martin Lewis issues 'upgrade now' warning ahead of deadline this month
Radio teleswitch service (RTS) meters are being switched off on June 30 - meaning anyone with this type of meter needs to upgrade their system to a smart meter now Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning for hundreds of thousands of households with an old type of energy meter ahead of a deadline this month. Radio teleswitch service (RTS) meters are being switched off on June 30 - meaning anyone with this type of meter needs to upgrade their system to a smart meter now. If you don't switch, it could mean your heating and hot water stops working properly. RTS meters were introduced in the 1980s and they use a radio signal to switch between peak and off-peak electricity rates. In a post published on X, Martin Lewis said: 'Warning! Got an old Economy 7 or multi-rate electricity meter? The 'Radio Teleswitch Service' which allows some old (non-smart) meters to function will be switched off at end of this month. 'It could mean your heating & hot water won't function properly, or incorrect bills. You need a meter upgrade now.' If you need to replace your meter, contact your electricity provider as soon as possible. They will be able to upgrade you to a smart meter, or another alternative, free of charge. You may have an RTS meter if you have a switch box near your energy meter labelled Radio Teleswitch, if you have electric or storage heaters, if there is no gas supply to your area, or if you get cheaper energy at different times of day. Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, last month warned there will still be hundreds of thousands of RTS meters on the date they are due to be switched off. Mr Francis told the Work and Pensions Committee: 'The process is doomed to failure. We are not going to see the RTS switch off on the first of July. 'There's still going to be hundreds of thousands of RTS meters in people's homes on the date that they're saying they're going to start winding down the signal. 'We don't know what is going to happen. The risks that have been outlined are either that your hot water and your heating are always on and you're going to be running up a massive bill, or it's always off.' Charlotte Friel, director for Retail Pricing & Systems for Ofgem, said: 'We have been continually monitoring the industry's efforts to replace RTS meters as this ageing infrastructure reaches the end of its life. 'Last year we decided more needed to be done so convened the sector and made clear to suppliers they have to move faster. Following that intervention, the rate of meter replacements has increase from around 1,000 a month to more than 1,000 a day. 'However suppliers need to do more and ensure customers are protected from detriment, which is why industry is putting in place a phased area-by-area shutdown beginning from 30 June. 'We have made clear that the signal serving a specific area should not be switched off until suppliers have demonstrated that they are ready and able to respond quickly to any issues customers experience.'
The Guardian
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Still waiting for my replacement meter from EDF – even the CEO couldn't help
Ofgem is optimistic in suggesting that contacting your energy supplier again will solve the problem of getting an appointment to replace old Radio Teleswitch Service electricity meters (Fears 300,000 British electricity meters will not work after tech switch-off, 26 May). Contacting the CEO of EDF hasn't done it yet for me, though I have had an apology and a flurry of emails. My March appointment was cancelled on the day, three subsequent attempts to rebook were fruitless, and then EDF sent an aggressive letter accusing me of taking no action and refusing their offers of support. Apparently appointments were ready and waiting, were I to do as they had been begging me to, and I would find plenty of available bookings by going online or phoning. There weren't any, and as even the CEO hasn't yet been able to find one for me, I think Ofgem needs to recognise that trying again is a waste of JaineBlackawton, Devon Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Daily Record
02-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
New energy bill update for thousands of people affected by RTS meter switch-off this month
The Radio Teleswitch Service will start to be phased out from June 30. Ofgem has announced its intention to introduce Radio Teleswitching System (RTS) specific licence conditions for suppliers to protect people from the risk of heating and hot water supply disruption and higher energy bills, according to the UK Government. The energy regulator recently consulted on this and is expected to publish a response in the coming weeks. Thousands of Scottish households with ageing energy meters will be affected when the mass RTS deactivation begins on June 30. The latest figures from Ofgem indicate that as of April 4, 2025, there were 129,814 RTS meters remaining in Scotland. Energy Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh answered several written questions from MPs on the topic, including whether or not the deadline could be extended and what steps are being taken to help households still waiting on their energy supplier to install a smart meter. In a written response to Conservative MP David Mundell, who asked about the switch-off process, Ms Fahnbulleh said that energy suppliers led by the RTS Taskforce are planning a careful phase out of RTS from June 30. She added: 'The Government is working closely with the RTS Taskforce, industry and Ofgem to ensure the phase out process is planned effectively and consumers are appropriately protected.' Liberal Democrat MP Edward Morello asked about support for people whose electricity meters are not replaced before the deadline, through no fault of their own. Ms Fahnbulleh responded: 'The Government has made clear to industry that suppliers must fulfil their obligations to customers and drive up the rate of Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meter replacements. 'As part of the RTS Taskforce we are doing all that we can to protect consumers from any negative impacts, and make sure that the carefully managed phase out process of RTS from 30 June is as smooth as possible for consumers.' Mr Morello also asked about the potential merits of extending the deadline due to delays from suppliers in fitting new meters. The Energy Minister explained there will be a 'carefully managed phase out of the service starting from 30 June' because the RTS is 'reaching the end of its operational life and can no longer be adequately maintained'. She added: 'The Government is working closely with the RTS Taskforce to ensure the phase out process is planned effectively and consumers are appropriately protected.' Mr Morello also submitted a question asking what steps are being taken to protect customers if their meter is not replaced by the deadline at the end of this month. Ms Fahnbulleh responded: 'Ofgem has announced its intention to introduce RTS specific licence conditions for suppliers to protect consumers from the risk of heating and hot water supply disruption and higher bills. Ofgem has recently consulted on this and will publish a response in the coming weeks. 'These new protections are in addition to current conditions put on suppliers to ensure that a suitable alternative metering system is installed in RTS premises and that consumers' services are not disrupted.' The head of Scotland's national advice service has also raised the alarm over the slow replacement of thousands of ageing energy meters, warning of a 'looming crisis' just weeks before the deadline. Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said vulnerable households were among those at risk of being 'left in the cold' with less than a month to go. In a letter to Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brearley, he warned that many households remain unaware of what will happen if their RTS meter is not replaced. A similar letter has also been sent to the regulator by Consumer Scotland, the independent statutory body which represents the interests of customers. In his letter, Mr Bartlett called for energy suppliers to proactively identify and prioritise vulnerable customers for meter upgrades, as well as a fresh public information campaign. With the RTS deadline fast approaching, Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national energy advice service has been receiving more calls from worried households. Anyone who has not received a letter or email should contact their supplier now. Support is also available at or by calling 0808 196 8660. Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'With less than a month to go until the RTS signal starts being switched off across the country, it is increasingly clear that progress on replacing them has not been fast enough. Ofgem needs to urgently clarify if it intends to stick to the June 30 deadline and if a phased approach is being taken, which parts of Scotland will be affected first. 'We are picking up a lot of confusion among affected customers, some of whom are trying to have their RTS meters replaced but have been told it isn't possible until after the switch-off. 'At a time when thousands of people are struggling with energy debts and the cost of living, nobody should be left out of pocket for replacing their meter either. 'Our message to consumers is that if you know someone with an RTS meter, especially if they are vulnerable, encourage them to get it replaced before the deadline if they can. 'The most important thing to remember is that free help and advice is available. Anyone who is worried should visit or call 0808 196 8660 for assistance.'
Scottish Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Energy meter warning for 300,000 customers facing HUGE bill hikes due to major switch off in DAYS
Have you been impacted by the change? We'd love to hear from you - email us on money@ SAY WATT Energy meter warning for 300,000 customers facing HUGE bill hikes due to major switch off in DAYS AN ENERGY meter warning has been issued for 300,000 customers who face huge hikes to their bills due to a major switch off. Homes with electricity meters using the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) need to upgrade to a smart meter before June 30 - when the service is being switched off. 1 Homes are being replaced with smart meters to ensure they are not cut off from power Credit: Getty The switch off will mean that anyone who still has one of these meters could face their heating or hot water not working properly. Some of these systems also automatically turn the heating and hot water system on and off at different times during the day. So those who don't switch in time risk permanently blasting their heating during peak time. This could lead to huge bill hikes for those who don't meet the deadline. Suppliers have been racing to ensure that homes are fitted with smart meters before the June deadline. Octopus Energy warned thousands of its own customers at the end of January. Next urged 65,000 customers to take action to avoid being cut off, and 60,000 EDF customers have also been contacted to warn them of the deadline. Energy regulator Ofgem was forced to step in last year as energy providers had been initially slow with the roll out. The latest figures show some 392,000 households still have an RTS meter across Britain, according to The Mirror. Currently, suppliers are switching 1,000 RTS meters a day, but in order to meet its target of 400,000 homes this figure would need to rise to 5,000. It feels colder than the arctic in my home but I've found the best hack to keep warm without pushing my energy bill up A spokesperson for Energy UK told the outlet it would be "challenging" to replace the meters by June 30." They added: "It means getting access to every single property to carry out the installation, many of which are in remote areas, and ultimately it requires all customers to respond to contact from their supplier.' But many households may not even realise they have an RTS meter and need to make the switch. HOW TO TELL IF YOU HAVE A RTS METER One way to tell if you have a RTS meter is if your home has a separate switch box near your meter with a Radio Teleswitch label. Another sign is if you get cheaper energy at different times of day, for example, you might be on an Economy 7, Economy 10, or Total Heat Total Control tariff. RTS meters are also typically used in areas with no gas supply, such as for high rise flats or houses in a particularly rural setting, so if this applies to you it's worth checking your meter. If you're still not sure, contact your energy supplier and ask whether you have RTS equipment. They will be able to confirm for you. You will not be charged for upgrading an RTS meter to a smart meter as all electricity suppliers are required to offer this upgrade at no extra cost to customers. When you switch you may be offered a smart meter. These devices offer the same features as RTS in that they can record the different prices at different times of day offered by Economy 7 tariffs. It can help you save money as they help you avoid estimated energy bills as the reading are sent to your supplier automatically. The device can also help you track your energy use as you can see how much you're using and when you're using it.
