Latest news with #AndrewBartlett
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Energy bill hikes to hit hundreds of thousands of households if they don't act
In a letter to Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brearley, Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, warned that many households are still unaware of what will happen if their RTS meter is not replaced Hundreds of thousands of households potentially face major energy bill hikes unless they take action now. According to the latest figures, over 300,000 homes still have Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters. This service charges households with linked electricity meters cheaper rates depending on the time of day. The devices, such as Economy 7 and other multi-rate energy tariffs, pick up the different energy rates through the RTS signal. Some RTS electricity meters can also automatically turn heating and hot water systems on and off during certain hours. However, the signal is set to be shut off from June 30 this year as the technology which produces the signal can no longer be maintained. Homes with these meters need to upgrade to a smart meter before the switch-off, as their meter will no longer function as intended after the deadline Some meters could become disconnected, but depending on when the RTS signal dies, some could also be left jammed on peak-time electricity rates. This could lead to huge bill hikes for households affected by the switch-off. Energy suppliers across the board have warned customers of the upcoming switch off over the last few years with many households being put onto a smart meter. However, Ofgem was forced to step in last year as suppliers had been initially slow at switching people over. Scotland 's national advice service has recently warned of a 'looming crisis' as thousands of homes have still not had the meters replaced, with "vulnerable" households among those at risk of being 'left in the cold'. In a letter to Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brearley, Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, warned that many households are still unaware of what will happen if their RTS meter is not replaced. He also called on energy suppliers to identify and prioritise vulnerable customers for meter upgrades. He wrote: '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." Join Money Saving Club's specialist topics For all you savvy savers and bargain hunters out there, there's a golden opportunity to stretch your pounds further. The Money Saving Club newsletter, a favourite among thousands who thrive on catching the best deals, is stepping up its game. Simply follow the link and select one or more of the following topics to get all the latest deals and advice on: Travel; Property; Pets, family and home; Personal finance; Shopping and discounts; Utilities. Ofgem recently released an advert featuring Lorraine Kelly to warn households about the switch-off. In the ads, the Scottish TV presenter urges people to contact their supplier, with the tagline adding: 'Don't delay. The RTS switch-off is on the way.' However, Bartlett also noted that there was a lot of confusion regarding the switch off, as some customers have been told they cannot have their meter replaced until after June 30. He added: '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. Sign up to Mirror Money's newsletter for the latest advice and news From universal credit to furlough, employment rights, travel updates and emergency financial aid - we've got all of the big financial stories you need to know about right now. '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.' Although the advertised date is June 30, the process will happen by area from July 1 through to September 30. According to the latest figures from Energy UK, in April, 392,000 households in Great Britain still had RTS meters. Currently, energy suppliers are switching around 1,000 old RTS meters each day. However, to ensure that all the remaining homes with them are covered by the deadline, this number would need to rise to 5,000. A spokesperson for Energy UK recently said: 'It will undoubtedly be challenging to replace all these meters by 30 June,' "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.' "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."
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
‘Looming crisis' as 100,000 energy meters STILL being used ahead of RTS switch off in days
AN ENERGY meter warning has been issued to 100,000 customers that they face a huge bill hike if they do not take urgent action. Homes with electricity meters that use the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) need to upgrade to a smart meter before June 30 - when the service is being switched off. 1 The switch off will mean that anyone with an RTS meter could find their heating or hot water does not work properly. Some of these meters automatically turn the heating and hot water system on and off at different times during the day. So those who do not switch in time risk permanently running their heating during peak time. This could cause huge bill hikes for those who do not switch before the deadline. More than 100,000 households still have these meters, according to the latest official figures. Scotland's national advice service has warned of a 'looming crisis' over the slow replacement of thousands of ageing energy meters. Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said vulnerable households were among those at risk of being 'left in the cold'. In a letter to Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brearley, he warned that many households are still unaware of what will happen if their RTS meter is not replaced. In the letter Mr Bartlett called for energy suppliers to identify and prioritise vulnerable customers for meter upgrades. He also suggested that there should be a fresh public information campaign. He 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." He said that there has been a lot of confusion among affected customers. Some have tried to have their RTS meter replaced but have been told that is not possible until after the switch off. He added: '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.' In one case, a 69-year-old from Wishaw in North Lanarkshire said she had spent £700 to fix her kitchen after she was forced to install a smart meter ahead of the switch off. Other customers have been told that they cannot get their meter replaced until well after the June 30 deadline. A landlord in Edinburgh said he had been offered an appointment on July 28. Several energy suppliers have also warned customers that they need to act. Octopus Energy warned thousands of its customers of the switch off at the end of January. Meanwhile, Next urged 65,000 customers to take action to avoid being cut off. Plus EDF contacted 60,000 of its customers to warn them of the deadline. Energy regulator Ofgem was forced to step in last year as energy providers were initially slow with the roll out. Currently, suppliers are switching 1,000 RTS meters a day. But in order to meet the target of switching 400,000 homes the figure would need to rise to 5,000 homes a day. Meanwhile, many households do not even realise that they have an RTS meter and need to switch. How to tell if you have an RTS meter It is easy to tell if you have an RTS meter. The oldest RTS-powered meters have a switch box labelled 'Radio Teleswitch' next to the electric meter. Others may have the RTS switch box within the electric meter as a single box on the wall. One way to tell is if you get cheaper energy at different times of the day. You might be on a tariff called Economy 7, Economy 10 or Total Heat Total Control. Another way to tell is if your home is heated using electricity or storage heaters, Energy UK suggests. RTS meters are also often used in areas with no gas supply, for example with high rise flats or houses in rural areas. If your home is in one of these locations then you should check your meter. If you are still unsure then contact your supplier and ask if you have RTS equipment. They should be able to tell you if you do. If you have one of these meters then you should book a smart meter installation as soon as possible. .
Daily Record
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
More than 6,000 Dumfries and Galloway properties still rely on RTS meters
The system is due to be switched off at the end of next month, meaning people are at risk of losing control of their heating and hot water systems. More than 6,000 properties across Dumfries and Galloway are still using electricity meters that will stop working within weeks. And new figures show that the vast majority of them are likely to still have a radio teleswitching service (RTS) meter installed when the service is switched off at the end of June. That means they're at risk of losing control of their heating and hot water systems. The figures have been revealed by the Scottish Liberal Democrats and Energy Action Scotland. Lib Dem MSP, Beatrice Wishart, said: 'The RTS switch-off has been depressing, frustrating and entirely avoidable. Frankly it is a national disgrace. 'We have weeks until the deadline but the energy companies are still so far behind. No one should be left without basic hot water or heating. 'Across Scotland, it will take more than a year for all remaining RTS meters to be exchanged. 'We have been promised technological fixes in advance of the switch off, yet we are, at the 59th minute of the 11th hour, still finding that there has been limited development in technology or greater connectivity to the smart metersignal.' The data shows that as of April 18, 124,864 properties across Scotland still relied on meters using the RTS system, which controls when they switch between peak and off-peak rates. There were 6,218 properties with a Dumfries and Galloway postcode still with the RTS system – a drop of just 413 or 10 a day from the figure onMarch 7. At that rate, there would still be 5,510 properties using RTS by the end of June. And it would take 632 days – more than 20 months – for all properties to be changed to a new system unless the process is sped up. Chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, Andrew Bartlett, said: 'With less than six weeks to go until the deadline, these figures lay bare the scale of the challenge ahead. 'The replacement rate simply isn't fast enough and must urgently speed up. 'We are continuing to see a rise in the number of calls from worried households and expect this to increase as we get nearer to June 30. '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 know someone with an RTS meter, especially if vulnerable, encourage them to act. 'Free advice is available at or by calling 0808 196 8660.' Director for retail pricing and systems at Ofgem, Charlotte Friel, said: 'We have been continually monitoring the industry's efforts to replace RTS meters as this ageing infrastructure reaches the end of its life. Click here for more news and sport from Dumfries and Galloway. '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 June 30. '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.'
Edinburgh Reporter
25-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
New tax regime for self-employed and landlords
Self-employed people and landlords in Scotland are urged to act to avoid a last-minute rush when major changes to the tax system come into force next year. Tens of thousands of Scots are expected to be among 780,000 people in the UK who must make the switch to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax from April 6 next year. A further 970,000 people will be required to join the scheme in 2027. Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the free service is encouraging people to prepare now for the the new system, sole traders and landlords earning over £50,000 will need to keep digital records and send quarterly updates to HMRC, rather than just filling in an annual tax return. By signing up early to HMRC's test programme, eligible taxpayers can get to grips with the new system and avoid stress closer to the Direct Scotland said switching to digital record-keeping could make managing tax easier in the long run, reducing errors and saving time. It also means less time spent searching for paperwork at the end of the tax year, as records can be updated by business owners as they go. Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said:'Making Tax Digital for Income Tax marks a major change for sole traders and landlords in how they manage their finances. 'By adopting this new system, individuals can simplify record-keeping, reduce the stress of tax season, and free up time to focus on their businesses in an increasingly digital world. 'With the April 2026 deadline fast approaching, now is the time to get ready. 'Joining HMRC's testing programme early is a great way to get familiar with the system and ensure a smooth transition. 'If it feels overwhelming, don't worry. Advice and support is available at or by calling 0800 756 3381. Asking for help is the smart move to stay ahead.' Eligible taxpayers can sign-up for the HMRC testing programme at: Advice Direct Scotland is one of 12 voluntary and community organisations across the UK chosen by HMRC to provide tailored tax and benefits advice. It is the only one offering the service in Scotland. Experts at can help with a wide range of issues, including PAYE and National Insurance queries, as well as guidance on completing self-assessment forms. Andrew Bartlett Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Nearly 130,000 people urged to get help ahead of energy meter switch off next month
The Radio Teleswitch Service will be deactivated on June 30 with thousands of Scots set to move on to a asmart meter. Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for all people over State Pension age in Scotland Thousands of Scottish households with ageing energy meters are being urged to act now to avoid disruption to their heating or hot water systems, before a mass deactivation begins on June 30. The latest figures from Ofgem indicate that as of April 4, 2025, there were 129,814 Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters remaining in Scotland. Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national energy advice service is warning those affected that 'time is running out' to replace their old meters. The charity is urging households to check their meters and call their energy suppliers if they think they need a replacement, rather than waiting to be contacted. Advice Direct Scotland is running an RTS countdown clock on the website to raise awareness of the issue, amid concerns that meter replacements are not being done fast enough to meet the deadline. 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. With the deadline fast approaching, Advice Direct Scotland has been receiving more calls from worried households, a trend it expects to continue. Its campaign on the issue has highlighted cases from customers around Scotland who have struggled to get their old meter replaced, or have encountered unexpected costs. In one example, a 69-year-old from Wishaw in North Lanarkshire said she had to spend £700 fixing her kitchen after being forced to install a smart meter ahead of the switch-off. Anyone who has not received a letter or email should contact their supplier now. Support is available at or by calling 0808 196 8660. Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'Time is running out. Anyone who thinks they might be affected should act now and contact their supplier. If you don't take action and you are still relying on an RTS meter after June 30, you risk having an unreliable heating and hot water system and incorrect bills. 'Of course, it should not all be left up to customers. The rate at which RTS meters are being replaced across the country is clearly not good enough and must be ramped up urgently. We are getting more and more enquiries coming in about this issue, showing that people are clearly worried about how the switch-off will affect them. 'If you know someone with an RTS meter, especially if they are vulnerable, encourage them to get it replaced soon. 'The most important thing to remember is that free help and advice is available. Anyone who is confused should visit or call 0808 196 8660 for assistance.' RTS switch off According to Ofgem, you may have an RTS meter if: Your home has a separate switch box near your meter with a Radio Teleswitch label on it Your home is heated using electricity or storage heaters There is no gas supply to your area You get cheaper energy at different times of day, for example, on an Economy 7 tariff If you haven't been contacted, Ofgem recommends contacting your supplier to arrange the replacement People are also being warned to be aware that if someone contacts you claiming you need to pay to change your meter because it is likely to be a scam.
