Latest news with #RadioTeleswitch
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Still waiting for my replacement meter from EDF – even the CEO couldn't help
Ofgem is optimistic in suggesting that contacting your energy supplier again will solve the problem of getting an appointment to replace old Radio Teleswitch Service electricity meters (Fears 300,000 British electricity meters will not work after tech switch-off, 26 May). Contacting the CEO of EDF hasn't done it yet for me, though I have had an apology and a flurry of emails. My March appointment was cancelled on the day, three subsequent attempts to rebook were fruitless, and then EDF sent an aggressive letter accusing me of taking no action and refusing their offers of support. Apparently appointments were ready and waiting, were I to do as they had been begging me to, and I would find plenty of available bookings by going online or phoning. There weren't any, and as even the CEO hasn't yet been able to find one for me, I think Ofgem needs to recognise that trying again is a waste of JaineBlackawton, Devon Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
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.'
Scottish Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Energy meter warning for 300,000 customers facing HUGE bill hikes due to major switch off in DAYS
Have you been impacted by the change? We'd love to hear from you - email us on money@ SAY WATT Energy meter warning for 300,000 customers facing HUGE bill hikes due to major switch off in DAYS AN ENERGY meter warning has been issued for 300,000 customers who face huge hikes to their bills due to a major switch off. Homes with electricity meters using the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) need to upgrade to a smart meter before June 30 - when the service is being switched off. 1 Homes are being replaced with smart meters to ensure they are not cut off from power Credit: Getty The switch off will mean that anyone who still has one of these meters could face their heating or hot water not working properly. Some of these systems also automatically turn the heating and hot water system on and off at different times during the day. So those who don't switch in time risk permanently blasting their heating during peak time. This could lead to huge bill hikes for those who don't meet the deadline. Suppliers have been racing to ensure that homes are fitted with smart meters before the June deadline. Octopus Energy warned thousands of its own customers at the end of January. Next urged 65,000 customers to take action to avoid being cut off, and 60,000 EDF customers have also been contacted to warn them of the deadline. Energy regulator Ofgem was forced to step in last year as energy providers had been initially slow with the roll out. The latest figures show some 392,000 households still have an RTS meter across Britain, according to The Mirror. Currently, suppliers are switching 1,000 RTS meters a day, but in order to meet its target of 400,000 homes this figure would need to rise to 5,000. It feels colder than the arctic in my home but I've found the best hack to keep warm without pushing my energy bill up A spokesperson for Energy UK told the outlet it would be "challenging" to replace the meters by June 30." They added: "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.' But many households may not even realise they have an RTS meter and need to make the switch. HOW TO TELL IF YOU HAVE A RTS METER One way to tell if you have a RTS meter is if your home has a separate switch box near your meter with a Radio Teleswitch label. Another sign is if you get cheaper energy at different times of day, for example, you might be on an Economy 7, Economy 10, or Total Heat Total Control tariff. RTS meters are also typically used in areas with no gas supply, such as for high rise flats or houses in a particularly rural setting, so if this applies to you it's worth checking your meter. If you're still not sure, contact your energy supplier and ask whether you have RTS equipment. They will be able to confirm for you. You will not be charged for upgrading an RTS meter to a smart meter as all electricity suppliers are required to offer this upgrade at no extra cost to customers. When you switch you may be offered a smart meter. These devices offer the same features as RTS in that they can record the different prices at different times of day offered by Economy 7 tariffs. It can help you save money as they help you avoid estimated energy bills as the reading are sent to your supplier automatically. The device can also help you track your energy use as you can see how much you're using and when you're using it.
Press and Journal
20-05-2025
- General
- Press and Journal
How Highlands and islands homes are braced for electricity meter switch-off problem as deadline approaches
Thousands of households across the Highlands and islands could face problems with their heating and hot water supply unless they replace their old-style electricity meters on time. The deadline for households to replace their Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters is fast approaching with the phase out starting from June 30. This could leave many households across the country, particularly in the rural north and islands, with unreliable heating and hot water – and incorrect bills. Energy suppliers are working against the clock to replace the old equipment but face a challenge in Scotland, which accounts for a third of the total number in the UK. The most recent UK Government figures show around 139,000 RTS meters were still in use across Scotland as of March 7. By the end of April, 135,000 meters remained, suggesting the rate of replacement is not keeping up. Many households across the Highlands and islands are off the mains gas grid and are more likely to use electricity for hot water and heating. Ofgem figures from April 18, seen by the P&J, show there were still more than 18,000 households across the north waiting for replacement meters. Orkney and Shetland have among the highest number of RTS meters per capita. As of last month, there were 4,204 meters still needing changed in , 3,820 in , 8,148 in and 2,053 across the 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. But some have faced difficulties arranging meter replacement appointments with their energy suppliers. Homes using RTS meters are typically in areas with no mains gas supply (often flats or in rural areas), and the property is usually heated using electricity or storage heaters. RTS meters have a transmitter or separate teleswitch box next to the electricity meter. It should have a 'Teleswitch' label on the outside. Energy suppliers can provide more information if a householder is unsure. Liberal Democrat MP for Orkney and Shetland Alistair Carmichael has raised the problem affecting his constituents over the past two years. Now, with the deadline approaching, he is asking the UK Government to require energy suppliers provide full compensation for those worse off. He wants to see this awarded to those households who requested a replacement meter before the RTS shutdown but failed to receive one. Mr Carmichael said there are still 'far too many' households without replacement meters in place. 'They must not pay the price for the failures of the energy companies and Ofgem,' he said. The problem is being raised again in Holyrood by Lib Dem MSP for Shetland Beatrice Wishart today. Frazer Scott, CEO of Energy Action Scotland, said: 'The rate which RTS meters are being replaced is not going to meet the switch off target of June 30. 'We need government, suppliers and the regulator to ensure that those who are left with RTS meters after the switch off date are protected from harm, from loss of energy and from higher bills.' Ofgem said in recent weeks they have seen evidence of suppliers 'significantly' stepping up their activities in remote areas, including the Highlands and islands, and solutions to improve smart meter connectivity in the north have been launched. A spokesperson said '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.' A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: 'We demand that suppliers must meet their obligations to consumers and ensure that no one loses heating or hot water. 'This includes rapidly increasing the pace of replacements so that there is a smooth transition and consumers are protected. 'The government will do everything it can to ensure that all consumers are protected.'
Powys County Times
05-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Do I need a smart meter for the Energy Price Cap in July?
Following posts this week, that people may be cut off from electricity because they have old-style meters and not smart ones, many customers have been concerned that they need a new meter before the new Energy Price Cap comes in on July 1. But, it's only people with a particular type of meter, and they are being contacted by their energy supplier to ensure they change their meters ahead of a deadline at the end of June. If they do not change their old electricity meter could stop working properly, which could prevent their heating or hot water from coming on. But this does not affect all 'old-style' meters, only one particular type of meter, which last year was installed in around 800,000 homes across the UK. Who needs a new electricity meter before July 1? The changes are set to impact Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters across the UK. These meters are controlled by long-wave radio signals, which tell the meter when to switch between peak and off-peak prices. In October 2024, energy regulator Ofgem said that around 800,000 RTS meters need to be replaced across the country. The technology that sends signals to the meters was introduced in the 1980s and is now getting to the end of its natural lifespan, trade body Energy UK has said. New @Ofgem proposals for compensation if your Smart Meter isn't working... — Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) March 28, 2025 'This means that the equipment that produces the radio signal can't be adequately maintained any more,' Energy UK added. This means that on June 30 2025, the radio signal and its supporting infrastructure will close down. Households have been warned that if they do not switch to a new meter, their heating and hot water might either stay on all the time or not come on at all. They could be charged at the wrong time of day, which could lead to higher bills. Most households will see their meters changed to a smart meter. However, some may be unable to get a smart meter. In those cases, they will have a different suitable meter installed instead. What is the energy price cap, and does it need a smart meter? The term is quite confusing, and it's important to note it's not the maximum price you will pay - it's an average. If you use more, you will pay more. The cap was introduced on 1 January 2019 by regulator Ofgem, with the aim of preventing the millions of households on expensive variable tariffs from being ripped off. The next change is due to be announced later this month and come into force on July 1. It has no bearing on meters or whether you should fit a smart meter. But it only limits what you pay for each unit of gas and electricity that you use. The energy price cap is the maximum amount energy suppliers can charge you for each unit of energy and standing charge if you're on a standard variable tariff.
