New UK Government update for people on RTS energy meter ahead of switch-off this month

Daily Record

2 days ago

The Radio Teleswitch Service will start to be phased out from June 30.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for all people over State Pension age in Scotland
The UK Government has announced that thousands of households using the Radio Teleswitching System (RTS) 'will not unexpectedly lose access to their heating and hot water' once the deadline passes on June 30.
Thousands of Scottish households with ageing energy meters will be affected when the mass RTS deactivation begins at the end of this month. The latest figures from Ofgem indicate that as of April 4, 2025, there were 129,814 RTS meters remaining in Scotland.
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However, Energy Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh gave reassurance to RTS customers in a written response to Labour MP John Whitby, who asked what steps are being taken to 'ensure that people in rural areas retain access to functioning energy meters' following the RTS switch-off.
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Ms Fahnbulleh responded: 'Customers will not unexpectedly lose access to their heating and hot water after 30th June, and we will not allow widespread disconnection.
'Suppliers must fulfil all of their legal obligations to their customers, and that any future, localised phase-out of RTS meters after 30th June must be controlled, planned, and communicated properly to all customers in order to proceed.
'The UK Government will do everything it can to ensure that all customers are protected, and will work with Ofgem to hold suppliers to account if required. We expect energy suppliers to be taking measures, such as deploying roaming teams of installers including in rural areas, to ensure consumers receive replacement meters in a timely manner.'
The head of Scotland's national advice service recently 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.
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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.
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With the RTS deadline fast approaching, Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national energy advice service energyadvice.scot, 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 energyadvice.scot or by calling 0808 196 8660.
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Mr Bartlett 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.
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'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 www.energyadvice.scot or call 0808 196 8660 for assistance.'