Latest news with #EnergyUK
Daily Mirror
30-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
'Shambolic' mass meter replacement 'could leave households without hot water'
Energy bosses insist they are doing all they can to prepare households for a meter switch-over but concerns remains that people could be caught out A mass switch-off of nearly 300,000 electricity meters has been branded a 'shambles' as it formally got under way. Critics warn households risk being left without hot water or heating - an even bigger issue if the process is not concluded by the autumn, which is looking highly unlikely. Some older electricity meters will stop working when the Radio Teleswitch Service - a signal that tells them when to switch between peak and off-peak rates - is phased out. These meters, which include some Economy 7 versions, will have to be removed and replaced with more modern smart meters instead. But despite the industry having ages to prepare for the switch over, it is believed there are nearly 300,000 of the older style meters still in people's homes. The deadline has already been delayed from March last year. The process is starting off slowly for fears that large numbers of people will be caught out, with concerns ranging from them being left with no electricity, through to not being able to turn the heating off, and electric storage heaters charging at the wrong time of day and possibly leading to higher bills. Industry body Energy UK said a 'small number' of meters were deactivated yesterday, without going into more detail. Sources suggested plans have been approved by regulator Ofgem and ministers to switch off around 600 in July. Energy UK also refused to reveal where the first areas were, despite saying people with affected meters had been informed directly, as had MPs, MSPs and local authorities with activity within their areas. Other sources said it is understood to include parts of south-east London, the East Midlands and south Wales. With the heatwave, campaigners are less concerned now than what will happen when the cold weather hits later in the year. Without a dramatic increase in the switch to smart meters, there are concerns that people could be left without hot water and heating in the autumn, when temperatures begin to tumble. Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: 'It's all a shambles'. Speaking last month, he said: 'Government, regulators and energy firms need to face up to the looming crisis and ramp up efforts to help people switch.' Dhara Vyas, chief executive of Energy UK, said: 'Hundreds of thousands of people have already replaced their meter successfully, and suppliers have ramped up resources and are ready to go. Due to high demand, appointments are being booked up quickly, and so people should get in touch as soon as possible, and not wait until it's too late.' She added: 'It remains our objective to replace as many meters as possible quickly whilst still carefully managing our approach, as the longer the service runs the more chance of failure, which could affect hundreds of thousands of homes at once. 'So we need everyone's help in responding to suppliers' communications, ensuring they book an appointment and sticking to appointments if they have them booked.' There are different reasons why households might still have one of the older meters, with one reason being they live in an area with no gas supply. According to Energy UK, you may have an RTS meter if: * The property is heated using electricity or storage heaters. * You get cheaper energy at different times of day (usually overnight). The tariff might be Economy 7, Economy 10 or Total Heat Total Control. * There is no gas supply to the property. This is often the case in blocks of flats and premises in rural areas. * There may be a separate switch box near your consumer's meter with a Radio Teleswitch (RTS) label on it.
The Sun
30-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Over 300,000 homes at risk of losing hot water and heating as meter switch-off starts
MORE than 300,000 households risk losing hot water and heating as a major electricity meter switch-off gets underway. The meters, powered by the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), are set to become obsolete as the system is switched off in phases from today. 1 The RTS system, which broadcasts a signal alongside BBC Radio 4's long-wave channel, currently controls the switching of electricity rates at different times of the day. Some meters even use it to automatically manage heating and hot water systems. But as the RTS signal is scrapped, these meters will no longer function properly, leaving families in limbo. This means that starting from today, some of these meters could be left jammed on peak time electricity rates depending on when the RTS signal dies. Energy companies were supposed to move customers with older meters to modern ones by June 30. For most households, this means their old meter will be replaced with a smart meter, which can automatically charge different rates depending on whether energy is used during peak or off-peak times. However, a lack of available smart meter appointments has left thousands of households unable to make the switch in time. To address this, Ofgem and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) announced a "managed and more controlled start" to the phaseout, beginning today. Energy UK, which represents firms, said 314,935 households still had the meters at the end of May. Although the switch-off starts today, the government confirmed last week that it will take a slower approach, starting with a small number of homes and businesses in specific local areas. The bizarre reason my smart meter won't work & I miss out on cheaper bills Energy suppliers will contact affected households and businesses well in advance to let them know if their meters will be impacted. This means that some people will be informed about when their meter will stop working, while others will continue using theirs as normal for a while longer. British Gas, Next, Octopus Energy, and Ovo Energy have told The Sun that they are prioritising the replacement of RTS meters ahead of other tasks. If you haven't been contacted by your supplier and still need your meter replaced, it's important to reach out to them as soon as possible. How do I know if I have an RTS electricity meter? YOU'LL be able to tell if you have a meter that relies on the RTS quite easily. The oldest RTS-powered meters have a switch box labelled "Radio Teleswitch" located next to the physical electricity meter. Others may have the RTS switch box included within the electricity meter as a single box on the wall. If you're unsure about the type of electricity meter in your home - call your supplier as they'll usually have this information on hand. RTS is also sometimes called dynamically teleswitched (DTS). What's the alternative to RTS? Smart meters offer the same features as RTS in that they can record the different prices at different times of day offered by Economy 7 tariffs. They work using a digital signal and can also show your energy usage in real time, something many users find useful for reducing it and saving money. Smart meters are being rolled out by suppliers across the country and around 36million households have one, though they are not without issues. Around one in ten are thought to be "dumb" according to recent data from Ofgem. Issues include a broken display and trouble connecting to the network in some areas, while many first-generation smart meters have outdated technology, though this is unlikely to be an issue with ones fitted now. Suppliers should make efforts to fix smart meters that are not working, but you may have to make meter readings in the meantime to ensure accurate bills. Monitors - the part of the smart meter that shows readings and usage - less than 12 months' old should be replaced or fixed for free. You can ask your supplier for a traditional meter instead, but as smart meters are replacing them, they are not obligated to give you one. What is a smart meter? SMART meters are gas and electricity meters that can digitally send readings to your energy supplier. They show you how much energy you are using in pounds and pence, so can be used to help reduce your energy bill. Unlike traditional meters, which simply register a running total of energy used, smart meters can record half-hourly price and consumption data and provide automatic meter readings to your energy supplier. Most homes have two meters, one for gas and one for electricity – both will be replaced with smart meters. You will also be offered an in-home display to show you the cost and amount of energy you are using at any given time It will update every 30 minutes for gas and in near real-time for electricity. Can I keep my RTS tariff? Suppliers have been told by Ofgem that they must take reasonable steps to ensure they are on a like-for-like tariff after moving to a smart meter. In some cases where this isn't possible, they must work with the customer to agree on an appropriate tariff. There may be more smart meter-only tariffs available to some customers that could save them money. If you haven't been contacted by your supplier already, you don't need to wait for a letter asking you to switch, you can contact them directly.
The Sun
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Major update on huge energy meter switch off affecting 314,935 as government confirms delay
THE Government has announced a major update on a huge energy meter switch off affecting more than 300,000 customers. Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters will now be turned off in a phased approach from June 30. 1 Old-style RTS meters use longwave radio frequency to switch between peak and off-peak rates and are becoming obsolete. Energy firms had previously been given a deadline of June 30 to change customers on these types of meters onto more modern ones. However, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said there will now be a "managed and more controlled start" to the phaseout. It comes after firms admitted some households on these meters would not have had them replaced in time. Energy UK, which represents energy suppliers, said 392,000 households still had the meters as of mid-April. Meanwhile, energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said yesterday the pace of RTS replacements carried out by industry had been 'too slow', leaving 314,935 RTS meters still in homes as of May 30. Regulator Ofgem has said if households are left with obsolete RTS meters and without replacement ones it could lead to a host of problems. These include: heating and hot water being left continually on or off, and electric storage heaters charging at the wrong time of day, possibly leading to higher bills. Meanwhile, it could leave energy suppliers being unable to confirm households' electricity usage during peak or off-peak times. Ms Fahnbulleh said: "My department has worked to ensure industry will pursue a more controlled approach to the phaseout, beginning with a very small number of homes and businesses in carefully targeted local areas. How to cut energy costs and get help with FOUR key household bills "During this process, Government and Ofgem will closely monitor supplier readiness to ensure the process is smooth and vulnerable consumers are identified and protected." The Government said customers with RTS meters will be contacted by their suppliers to book appointments to replace them. In most cases, households' meters will be replaced with a smart meter, charging them peak and off-peak rates. Simon Francis, co-ordinator 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. 'Ministers are right to be getting a grip on the situation and holding Ofgem and the energy industry to account. '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. '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.' How 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. What is a smart meter? SMART meters are gas and electricity meters that can digitally send readings to your energy supplier. They show you how much energy you are using in pounds and pence, so can be used to help reduce your energy bill. Unlike traditional meters, which simply register a running total of energy used, smart meters can record half-hourly price and consumption data and provide automatic meter readings to your energy supplier. Most homes have two meters, one for gas and one for electricity – both will be replaced with smart meters. You will also be offered an in-home display to show you the cost and amount of energy you are using at any given time It will update every 30 minutes for gas and in near real-time for electricity.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Switching off RTS energy meter system to be delayed, says Government
The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) switch-off is to be delayed, the Government has announced, following warnings that it was likely to cause considerable disruption to hundreds of thousands of households. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said there will be a 'managed and more controlled start' to the RTS phaseout from June 30, and those with an affected meter will not face any unexpected disruption to their heating or hot water at the end of the month. The RTS system, used by older electricity meters to control heating and hot water, uses a longwave radio frequency to switch between peak and off-peak rates. The technology is becoming obsolete and energy companies had a deadline to change their customers' meters by June 30. However, firms have admitted that current rates of replacement meant it was likely that thousands of RTS meters would not have been upgraded before the technology is switched off. Energy UK, which represents firms, said 392,000 households still had the meters as of mid April. Industry regulator Ofgem has said the risks associated with not having a functioning meter include heating and hot water left continually on or off, electric storage heaters charging at the wrong time of day, possibly leading to higher bills, and the supplier being unable to confirm electricity usage during peak or off-peak times. In a written statement on Wednesday, energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said the pace of RTS replacements by industry had been 'too slow', leaving 314,935 RTS meters still in homes as of May 30. She said: 'My department has worked to ensure industry will pursue a more controlled approach to the phaseout, beginning with a very small number of homes and businesses in carefully targeted local areas. During this process, Government and Ofgem will closely monitor supplier readiness to ensure the process is smooth and vulnerable consumers are identified and protected. 'These steps will help ensure suppliers are ready to respond quickly in case of any issues and that working families and the elderly are protected throughout the phaseout process. 'The Government is working closely with industry and Ofgem to ensure this next period is planned effectively and consumers, particularly those who are vulnerable, are protected.' She added: 'Suppliers will continue contacting consumers to book replacement appointments and consumers are urged to respond as soon as possible. 'In most cases, this will involve replacing the RTS meter with a smart meter, which can work in the same way as RTS meters, with automatic peak and off-peak rates, and the ability to turn heating and hot water systems on and off, ensuring minimal disruption to households. 'In advance of any phaseout activity in their area, households and businesses will be contacted by their energy supplier to inform them well ahead of time, if their meters will be affected.' Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, which wrote to Ofgem and the Government to raise concerns about the pace and communication of the meter replacement effort, said: 'The RTS switch-off process was doomed to failure after it became clear that the deadline was simply unachievable. 'Ministers are right to be getting a grip on the situation and holding Ofgem and the energy industry to account. '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. '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.'
The Independent
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Switching off RTS energy meter system to be delayed, says Government
The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) switch-off is to be delayed, the Government has announced, following warnings that it was likely to cause considerable disruption to hundreds of thousands of households. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said there will be a 'managed and more controlled start' to the RTS phaseout from June 30, and those with an affected meter will not face any unexpected disruption to their heating or hot water at the end of the month. The RTS system, used by older electricity meters to control heating and hot water, uses a longwave radio frequency to switch between peak and off-peak rates. The technology is becoming obsolete and energy companies had a deadline to change their customers' meters by June 30. However, firms have admitted that current rates of replacement meant it was likely that thousands of RTS meters would not have been upgraded before the technology is switched off. Energy UK, which represents firms, said 392,000 households still had the meters as of mid April. Industry regulator Ofgem has said the risks associated with not having a functioning meter include heating and hot water left continually on or off, electric storage heaters charging at the wrong time of day, possibly leading to higher bills, and the supplier being unable to confirm electricity usage during peak or off-peak times. In a written statement on Wednesday, energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said the pace of RTS replacements by industry had been 'too slow', leaving 314,935 RTS meters still in homes as of May 30. She said: 'My department has worked to ensure industry will pursue a more controlled approach to the phaseout, beginning with a very small number of homes and businesses in carefully targeted local areas. During this process, Government and Ofgem will closely monitor supplier readiness to ensure the process is smooth and vulnerable consumers are identified and protected. 'These steps will help ensure suppliers are ready to respond quickly in case of any issues and that working families and the elderly are protected throughout the phaseout process. 'The Government is working closely with industry and Ofgem to ensure this next period is planned effectively and consumers, particularly those who are vulnerable, are protected.' She added: 'Suppliers will continue contacting consumers to book replacement appointments and consumers are urged to respond as soon as possible. 'In most cases, this will involve replacing the RTS meter with a smart meter, which can work in the same way as RTS meters, with automatic peak and off-peak rates, and the ability to turn heating and hot water systems on and off, ensuring minimal disruption to households. 'In advance of any phaseout activity in their area, households and businesses will be contacted by their energy supplier to inform them well ahead of time, if their meters will be affected.' Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, which wrote to Ofgem and the Government to raise concerns about the pace and communication of the meter replacement effort, said: 'The RTS switch-off process was doomed to failure after it became clear that the deadline was simply unachievable. 'Ministers are right to be getting a grip on the situation and holding Ofgem and the energy industry to account. '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. '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.'
