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Daily Record
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Record
New UK Government update for people on RTS energy meter ahead of switch-off this month
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. 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. 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. 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. 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. '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.'
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Scots set to pay £500 more on energy bills this year despite new Ofgem price cap
Ofgem has announced the price cap will fall from £1,849 to £1,720 on July 1. Ofgem has announced household energy bills will fall by seven per cent this summer. The industry regulator confirmed on Friday that annual energy bills for millions of households on the standard tariff - with typical average usage - will drop from £1,849 to £1,720 from July 1 - a reduction of £129 over the coming year (£10.75 per month). However, Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national energy advice service warned that Scottish households are still paying over £500 a year more for gas and electricity than they were before the energy crisis hit, despite a fall in the energy price cap. The charity said while the fall was welcome, many people are still struggling with record levels of debt after new figures found that it received 2,580 inquiries related to energy debt and disconnections in the 12 months to April 2025, a 59 per cent increase on the level recorded two years earlier in 2023. Advice Direct Scotland is urging anyone worried about energy-related debt to contact its team of experts, who can provide free, impartial, and practical advice. It has been campaigning for a social energy tariff to be introduced across the UK, which would automatically put the most vulnerable customers on the cheapest deals. Eligibility for such a tariff could be determined by factors such as whether members of a household are in receipt of benefits or are on low incomes. Conor Forbes, policy director at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'News of lower gas and electricity prices is always welcome, but it is cold comfort for customers who are paying so much more than they were before the energy crisis began. 'Many people are still struggling with the cost of living and are saddled with energy-related debts, and it could still be years before energy prices fall to pre-crisis levels. 'We'd encourage people to do whatever they can to keep their bills down, by finding out exactly how much they are paying and checking if there are cheaper options available. 'Taking regular meter readings and monitoring the level of your direct debit are as important as ever. If you have a smart meter, ensure it's working. 'However, a longer-term solution to the scourge of fuel poverty is a UK-wide social energy tariff, which would automatically put vulnerable people on the cheapest deal. 'The important thing to remember is that nobody should struggle alone, and help is available. Anyone experiencing difficulties should visit or call 0808 196 8660 for assistance.' Advice Direct Scotland is also highlighting differences in regional standing charges, putting Scottish consumers at a disadvantage. Revised standing charges from July will result in residents in southern Scotland paying 54.25 pence per day for electricity, compared to their counterparts in London who will pay 43.76 pence. A larger proportion of Scots also lack access to the gas grid, relying on the more expensive electric rate for heating and cooking. In southern Scotland, the gas unit rate will decrease to 6.27 pence per kilowatt-hour (kWh), while electricity will be priced at 24.53 pence.
Glasgow Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Landlord fears for tenants ahead of meter switch-off
David Bateman has made five attempts to replace the obsolete Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter at his rented flat with a smart device. However, after a series of cancellations, he has been given a new appointment for July 28, almost a month after the June 30 cut-off for the RTS signal. David Bateman (Image: Supplied) David spoke out as part of Advice Direct Scotland's campaign to raise awareness of the impending deadline, with just six weeks remaining until the shutdown. The charity, which operates the national energy advice service is calling on households to check their meters and contact their energy suppliers if they think a replacement is needed. David, a retired schoolteacher from Edinburgh, said: "Incompetence doesn't even begin to describe what is going on here. "It's getting to the stage where I'm beginning to lose count of how many times I've tried and failed to get a smart meter installed. "My tenants have been inconvenienced again and again. "They're told the installation is going ahead and that the power will go off, then it doesn't happen. "I feel like I'm being treated like a fool.' Davids's latest appointment, initially scheduled for May 6, was cancelled without any explanation. It has now been moved to late July, well past the deadline. David said: 'Things need to change. "This is beyond ridiculous. "I've now been given yet another date, and it's actually after the switch-off. 'It's incredible. "I have no idea why this is proving to be so difficult. "The whole thing's been made worse by how hard it is to get hold of the supplier.' Recent figures from the UK Government show that around 139,000 RTS meters are still in use across Scotland as of March 7, including more than 47,000 in the Highlands and Islands. By the end of April, 135,000 meters remained. This suggests that the rate of replacement is not keeping up. Andrew Bartlett (Image: Supplied) Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: "With just six weeks to go, David's experience highlights the real struggles many face trying to replace outdated RTS meters before the deadline. "His repeated cancellations and delays show that 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 don't take action and are still relying on an RTS meter after June 30, you risk having unreliable heating and hot water, as well as incorrect bills. "The replacement rate simply isn't fast enough and must urgently speed up. "We're seeing more calls from worried households every day. "If you know someone with an RTS meter, especially if vulnerable, encourage them to act." Those worried about the upcoming switch-off are able to check the energy advice Scotland website or call 0808 196 8660.
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Hundreds of struggling Dumfries and Galloway households seeking advice with energy problems
Advice Direct Scotland has revealed it dealt with more than 700 gas and electricity related complaints over the past 12 months. Hundreds of struggling households in Dumfries and Galloway have looked for help with energy problems in the past 12 months. Advice Direct Scotland has revealed it dealt with more than 700 gas and electricity related complaints between April 2024 and April this year. Issues included incorrect bills, debt and disconnection, while there has also been a surge in inquiries about the switch-off of radio teleswitch service (RTS) meters at the end of June. The charity, which runs the service, dealt with more than 200 billing issues and had 180 enquiries classed as general advice or information. Director of policy with Advice Direct Scotland, Conor Forbes, said: 'These figures show that the energy crisis is far from over and underscore the alarming scale of the cost-of-living crisis. 'As Scotland's national energy advice service, we've seen significant demand from people across Dumfries and Galloway seeking help with bills, debts, and disconnections. 'Since the start of the year, we've also seen increasing concerns about the looming switch-off of RTS meters. 'With the June 30 deadline approaching, it's crucial that anyone still using these meters contacts their supplier to avoid losing heating or hot water. 'Despite the warmer weather, many people are still struggling financially, and assistance is just a phone call away. 'Our advisers can help with understanding energy bills, meter issues, and direct people to the support and benefits they're entitled to." provides free, practical advice and information on energy-related matters to anyone in Scotland, ranging from supplier inquiries and understanding the complaints process, to what to do if experiencing problems with energy bills. The team can be contacted on 0808 196 8660 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm), or through their website.
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.
