5 days ago
New energy bill update for thousands of people affected by RTS meter switch-off this month
The Radio Teleswitch Service will start to be phased out from June 30.
Ofgem has announced its intention to introduce Radio Teleswitching System (RTS) specific licence conditions for suppliers to protect people from the risk of heating and hot water supply disruption and higher energy bills, according to the UK Government. The energy regulator recently consulted on this and is expected to publish a response in the coming weeks.
Thousands of Scottish households with ageing energy meters will be affected when the mass RTS deactivation begins on June 30. The latest figures from Ofgem indicate that as of April 4, 2025, there were 129,814 RTS meters remaining in Scotland.
Energy Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh answered several written questions from MPs on the topic, including whether or not the deadline could be extended and what steps are being taken to help households still waiting on their energy supplier to install a smart meter.
In a written response to Conservative MP David Mundell, who asked about the switch-off process, Ms Fahnbulleh said that energy suppliers led by the RTS Taskforce are planning a careful phase out of RTS from June 30.
She added: 'The Government is working closely with the RTS Taskforce, industry and Ofgem to ensure the phase out process is planned effectively and consumers are appropriately protected.'
Liberal Democrat MP Edward Morello asked about support for people whose electricity meters are not replaced before the deadline, through no fault of their own.
Ms Fahnbulleh responded: 'The Government has made clear to industry that suppliers must fulfil their obligations to customers and drive up the rate of Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meter replacements.
'As part of the RTS Taskforce we are doing all that we can to protect consumers from any negative impacts, and make sure that the carefully managed phase out process of RTS from 30 June is as smooth as possible for consumers.'
Mr Morello also asked about the potential merits of extending the deadline due to delays from suppliers in fitting new meters.
The Energy Minister explained there will be a 'carefully managed phase out of the service starting from 30 June' because the RTS is 'reaching the end of its operational life and can no longer be adequately maintained'.
She added: 'The Government is working closely with the RTS Taskforce to ensure the phase out process is planned effectively and consumers are appropriately protected.'
Mr Morello also submitted a question asking what steps are being taken to protect customers if their meter is not replaced by the deadline at the end of this month.
Ms Fahnbulleh responded: 'Ofgem has announced its intention to introduce RTS specific licence conditions for suppliers to protect consumers from the risk of heating and hot water supply disruption and higher bills. Ofgem has recently consulted on this and will publish a response in the coming weeks.
'These new protections are in addition to current conditions put on suppliers to ensure that a suitable alternative metering system is installed in RTS premises and that consumers' services are not disrupted.'
The head of Scotland's national advice service has also 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.
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.
With the RTS deadline fast approaching, Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national energy advice service 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 or by calling 0808 196 8660.
Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, 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.
'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 or call 0808 196 8660 for assistance.'
