How Highlands and islands homes are braced for electricity meter switch-off problem as deadline approaches
Thousands of households across the Highlands and islands could face problems with their heating and hot water supply unless they replace their old-style electricity meters on time.
The deadline for households to replace their Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters is fast approaching with the phase out starting from June 30.
This could leave many households across the country, particularly in the rural north and islands, with unreliable heating and hot water – and incorrect bills.
Energy suppliers are working against the clock to replace the old equipment but face a challenge in Scotland, which accounts for a third of the total number in the UK.
The most recent UK Government figures show around 139,000 RTS meters were still in use across Scotland as of March 7.
By the end of April, 135,000 meters remained, suggesting the rate of replacement is not keeping up.
Many households across the Highlands and islands are off the mains gas grid and are more likely to use electricity for hot water and heating.
Ofgem figures from April 18, seen by the P&J, show there were still more than 18,000 households across the north waiting for replacement meters.
Orkney and Shetland have among the highest number of RTS meters per capita.
As of last month, there were 4,204 meters still needing changed in , 3,820 in , 8,148 in and 2,053 across the
Introduced in the 1980s, RTS meters use outdated longwave radio signals to switch between peak and off-peak rates.
Without replacement, customers risk being stuck on the wrong setting or moved onto a more expensive single-rate tariff.
But some have faced difficulties arranging meter replacement appointments with their energy suppliers.
Homes using RTS meters are typically in areas with no mains gas supply (often flats or in rural areas), and the property is usually heated using electricity or storage heaters.
RTS meters have a transmitter or separate teleswitch box next to the electricity meter. It should have a 'Teleswitch' label on the outside.
Energy suppliers can provide more information if a householder is unsure.
Liberal Democrat MP for Orkney and Shetland Alistair Carmichael has raised the problem affecting his constituents over the past two years.
Now, with the deadline approaching, he is asking the UK Government to require energy suppliers provide full compensation for those worse off.
He wants to see this awarded to those households who requested a replacement meter before the RTS shutdown but failed to receive one.
Mr Carmichael said there are still 'far too many' households without replacement meters in place.
'They must not pay the price for the failures of the energy companies and Ofgem,' he said.
The problem is being raised again in Holyrood by Lib Dem MSP for Shetland Beatrice Wishart today.
Frazer Scott, CEO of Energy Action Scotland, said: 'The rate which RTS meters are being replaced is not going to meet the switch off target of June 30.
'We need government, suppliers and the regulator to ensure that those who are left with RTS meters after the switch off date are protected from harm, from loss of energy and from higher bills.'
Ofgem said in recent weeks they have seen evidence of suppliers 'significantly' stepping up their activities in remote areas, including the Highlands and islands, and solutions to improve smart meter connectivity in the north have been launched.
A spokesperson said 'We urge any customers who may have previously struggled to get their RTS meter replaced to please contact their supplier again to arrange an appointment.
'Ofgem has also demanded action plans from every supplier, which we are scrutinising on an ongoing basis to ensure that robust contingencies are in place to protect any customers who remain on RTS meters after the phased switch-off process begins.'
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: 'We demand that suppliers must meet their obligations to consumers and ensure that no one loses heating or hot water.
'This includes rapidly increasing the pace of replacements so that there is a smooth transition and consumers are protected.
'The government will do everything it can to ensure that all consumers are protected.'
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