Landlord issues RTS meter warning as tenants 'left in dark' ahead of switch-off

Daily Record

19-05-2025

David Bateman, a retired schoolteacher from Edinburgh has made five attempts to get an obsolete Radio Teleswitch Service meter swapped for a smart device at the flat he rents out.
A furious Scots landlord fears his tenants could be left in the dark after repeated delays to replace an ageing meter ahead of a national switch-off.
David Bateman, a retired schoolteacher from Edinburgh, is in a race against the clock to get a smart meter installed at the flat he rents out. He has already made five attempts to ditch his obsolete Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS).
‌
Now after a string of cancellations, the 80-year-old has been offered a new appointment for July 28 - almost a month when the RTS signal is cut off on June 30.
‌
The furious pensioner, who rents out a flat in Leith, has blasted the situation and has demanded that things change.
David said: 'Incompetence doesn't even begin to describe what is going on here. It's getting to the stage where I'm beginning to lose count of how many times I've tried and failed to get a smart meter installed.
'My tenants have been inconvenienced again and again. They're told the installation is going ahead and that the power will go off, then it doesn't happen. I feel like I'm being treated like a fool.'
David has hit out as part of a campaign from Advice Direct Scotland to raise awareness of the looming deadline, with just six weeks to go until the mass switch off.
The charity fears thousands across Scotland could be left without heating or hot water if their RTS meters are not replaced in time.
‌
Advice Direct Scotland which runs the national energy advice service energyadvice.scot, is urging Scots households to check their meters and call energy suppliers to arrange replacements.
David's latest appointment, originally scheduled for May, was cancelled without an explanation and moved to late July, well after the deadline. He said he has been struggling to contact his supplier throughout.
He added: "Things need to change. This is beyond ridiculous. I've now been given yet another date, and it's actually after the switch-off. It's incredible. I have no idea why this is proving to be so difficult. The whole thing's been made worse by how hard it is to get hold of the supplier.'
‌
The most recent UK Government figures show around 139,000 RTS meters were still in use across Scotland as of March 7, including more than 47,000 in the Highlands and Islands.
By the end of April, 135,000 meters remained, suggesting the rate of replacement is not keeping up.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
‌
RTS meters, introduced in the 1980s, 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.
Advice Direct Scotland is running a countdown clock on its energyadvice.scot website to raise awareness amid concerns that replacements are not happening quickly enough.
‌
The charity says they have received an influx of calls from worried households as the cut-off approaches.
Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'With just six weeks to go, David's experience highlights the real struggles many face trying to replace outdated RTS meters before the deadline.
'His repeated cancellations and delays show that the system isn't working as it should, putting thousands at risk of losing heating or hot water. Anyone who thinks they might be affected should act now and contact their supplier.
'If you don't take action and are still relying on an RTS meter after June 30, you risk having unreliable heating and hot water, as well as incorrect bills.
'The replacement rate simply isn't fast enough and must urgently speed up. We're seeing more calls from worried households every day. If you know someone with an RTS meter, especially if vulnerable, encourage them to act. Free advice is available at energyadvice.scot or by calling 0808 196 8660."