Latest news with #smartmeter
The Independent
19 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Octopus Energy issues urgent warning to households which will see meters deactivated this month
Some households could be left without hot water and heating if they don't make the 'vital' switch to a modern smart meter. Octopus Energy has warned customers with an outdated radio teleswitch (RTS) to get a smart meter before the old ones stop working at the end of this month. The major energy supplier explained RTS meters, which were first introduced in the 1980s, use longwave radio signals from the BBC's RTS meters to switch meters between peak and off-peak rates. However, the equipment which broadcasts the signal will be switched off on 30 June – which will affect more than 600,000 customers. Jan Shortt, the general secretary of the National Pensioners Convention, said many of those living in homes affected by the RTS meters switch-off will be older people. 'A good proportion may not even be aware they have such a meter, or if they do, won't know they are about to be switched off,' she said. The energy supplier explained that if you have a large black box next to your meter, you may have an RTS meter. Octopus Energy is now deploying additional engineers to ensure all properties with outdated meters can switch to smart meters before the deadline, in hopes of minimising disruptions. It has also fast-tracked the switch for its customers, covering nearly a quarter of affected households. John Szymik, CEO of Octopus Energy Services, said: "Octopus has boosted its service capability to offer fast-tracked assistance and ensure that no one is left without heating. 'We urge all affected customers, of any supplier, to book their meter exchange now to ensure a smooth transition." Those who do not make the switch in time may be overcharged for electricity or see their hot water and heating cut off. Explaining the switch off in a YouTube video, Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy, said: 'This isn't one of those usual messages where energy companies are trying to get you to use a smart meter, this is specifically for the 2.5 per cent of customers which have these RTS meters that are going to stop working later this year. 'It's really important to make the switch as soon as possible because as we are changing these meters so resources will be tight, and we can't leave it all to the last minute.'
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Thousands to be left without HOT WATER due to energy meter switch-off
THOUSANDS of households are at risk of being left without heating and hot water in weeks due to a shortage of smart meter appointments. 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 Some RTS meters automatically turn the heating and hot water system on and off at different times during the day. This means that once the signal is switched off households could find that these systems do not work properly. They could also end up running their heating permanently during peak time, which could cause huge bill hikes. But a shortage of smart meter appointments means that thousands of households will not be able to make the switch before this deadline. None of the major energy suppliers or industry regulator Ofgem were able to tell us how long customers could expect to wait for a smart meter appointment. More than 100,000 RTS meters are still in use, according to Energy Action Scotland. But the meters are only being replaced at a rate of around 1,000 a day, according to industry regulator Ofgem. As a result, some customers are being offered meter replacement dates well after the deadline. An Ofgem spokesperson said: "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 30 June. "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. From TV to energy... tips to save you money on 7 bills that are going up in April 'While this carefully managed phaseout should reassure customers that they will be protected, it remains crucial that these meters are replaced so I would urge customers to engage with their supplier when offered an appointment – even if it is after the 30 June date.' Forums online are now inundated with energy customers complaining about being unable to secure an appointment. One Ovo customer said he had been trying to upgrade his two RTS meters since October 2024. An engineer visited his home that month and tried to install the meter but there was a signal issue. 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). A fortnight ago his appointment was cancelled due to a system issue. He added: 'I tried to re-book an appointment today but all the appointments had gone and there is nothing left before 30th June. 'I was told by the operator that because it is not my fault the meters have not been changed that I would not lose electricity supply - I have little faith in this happening and dread an electric bill after the 30th of June.' Another said their parents are in a similar position. They said: 'My parents are with Utility Warehouse but their electric supply is through Eon Next. Neither of them have contacted them about the RTS switch off.' They added that when they called Utility Warehouse customer services they were unable to speak to anyone. They tried to book an appointment online but every time were told: 'we're not able to provide you with a smart meter right now. Register interest and we'll get in touch when we can.' Another said: 'I am a British Gas 'customer' on a fixed price tariff. Last October BG advised that my electricity meter was one of the soon to be obsolete RTS type. 'I dutifully signed into my account and tried to request a smart meter … no appointments available. "Since then I have regularly tried to request an install … no appointments.' Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said customers are "in the dark" about the RTS switch. He added: "People are being given dates well after the June 30 deadline for the replacement of their RTS meters with a smart meter, even into August. 'Customers are doing the right thing by contacting suppliers to arrange their fitting, only to be given dates more than a month after the deadline. 'We are also aware anecdotally of people being wrongly told that they have nothing to fear as the cut off won't happen until 2028.' How long do I need to wait for an appointment? Ovo Energy Ovo Energy said it has appointments available to install a meter as soon as possible. However, the availability of these appointments may vary depending on where you live. If you are unsure of what to do or are vulnerable then you should contact Ovo as soon as possible so it can ensure you have an appointment booked in. Customers will be able to choose which tariff they switch to and its specialist team will be on hand to help find the most appropriate one. Octopus Energy Octopus Energy said it has contacted every customer it thinks has an RTS meter that may not work effectively after the switch off. It is installing nearly 20,000 meters a week and said it has the capacity to prioritise anyone who thinks they might lose their heating after the switch off. A spokesperson said: 'It's really important that customers with RTS meters get in touch with us - but we also want them not to worry. Our team is working 7 days a week, and we'll do our very best to make sure that no-one is left without power.' said it will prioritise RTS upgrade appointments and has reserved engineers to ensure it has the capacity to deliver these upgrades. It said all RTS customers should not delay. You should book your smart meter upgrade appointment as soon as possible to make sure your heating and hot water continues to run smoothly. How can I improve my chance of getting an appointment? You should regularly check your supplier's website to see if they have released any new slots. Most suppliers will only let you book an appointment in the next six weeks. You can also ask your supplier how often they release new slots and on which day of the week. For example, Octopus Energy releases new slots on a Monday but you will need to get online early to secure a space. Most suppliers will let you register your interest online so they can notify you when new slots become available. You can do this online through your account. A spokesperson for Energy UK said: "We would only suggest that anyone with an RTS meter contacts their supplier as soon as possible. "Booking a meter replacement appointment now will ensure a smooth change that enables your heating and hot water to continue operating in the same way. "If you are worried that you have an appointment booked after 30 June, this has been taken into account as part of the phase out plan.' Can I keep my RTS tariff? In most cases, RTS customers will be offered a smart meter. The smart meter operates in the same way as an RTS meter on a multi-rate tariff such as Economy 7 or Economy 10. If that is not possible then suppliers must take all reasonable steps to provide a similar tariff, so customers do not see their bills increase. Meanwhile, upgrading an RTS meter to a smart one should give customers access to a wide choice of smart meter only tariffs that should save them money. If your supplier has not contacted you already then you do not need to wait for a letter or email asking you to switch. Get in touch with your supplier directly as soon as you can. What energy bill help is available? There's a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by. If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter. This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period. If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don't think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal. Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills. But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances. For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000. British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund. You don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund. EDF, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too. Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR). The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill. Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you're struggling. Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
The 600,000 homeowners told their hot water could stop working - unless they switch to a smart meter
Evelyn Francis is so petrified at warnings from her energy supplier that her hot water and heating could be cut off unless she gets a new smart meter, she has been having panic attacks and has even contacted her local doctor for help. The 75-year-old former magistrates' court official, who lives with her blind sister Angela Seve in Eastbourne, East Sussex, has been receiving letters and calls from Scottish Power for several months warning that her electricity supply could be cut off at the end of June. Evelyn says: 'I feel I have been hounded by my supplier Scottish Power over the past few months demanding I switch my old meter. 'There has been no intelligent explanation – just bullying scare tactics where they treat me like an imbecile simply demanding that it must be done. 'It has caused me severe headaches, sleepless nights and real anxiety. I went to my local doctor for medication, but he told me the best medicine was not to allow the constant pestering to get to me. 'He even offered to write a letter explaining my condition to stop them bothering me.' Evelyn is one of more than half a million households being warned their heating and electricity could be cut off unless they switch to a new smart meter. The affected households are those that currently have meters controlled by Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) technology, which may no longer work after the signal is stopped on June 30. Of the up to 600,000 homes using RTS meters, most are on Economy 7 tariffs which allows them to switch charge rates between peak and cheaper off-peak tariffs. It is also used for customers on Economy 10 and Total Heating Total Control. Many have benefited from lower energy bills for years thanks to Economy 7. It has been around since 1978 and is ideal for households able to use appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, at night when they are charged at the lower off-peak rate. It also benefits those with night storage heaters. Economy 7 customers typically pay half the price for electricity compared to those on a standard deal between midnight and 7am. But the day rate can be a third higher than a standard tariff, says GoCompare. Evelyn surrendered to the demands last month and agreed to have a smart meter fitted, following the consultation with her doctor. Suppliers will not promise that affected customers will be able to keep their old tariff when they are moved to a smart meter. Retired policeman Paul Bryant, 77, from Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, who has been told he must switch to a smart meter, says: 'Suppliers are bullies with phrases such as 'you could lose heating and hot water services' if you fail to switch to a smart meter. British Gas has bombarded us with the message that we have no alternative – but I refuse to be blackmailed into doing something totally against my will.' Paul, who is married to Liz, 75, adds: 'I want to keep control and save money by choosing when to take advantage of cheaper tariff rates. 'Is that asking too much? Smart meters take matters out of our hands so energy giants can do whatever they want with prices.' Some households are also concerned that the switch away from RTS is forcing them to accept a smart meter, when they would prefer not to have one. Suppliers are keen to switch people to smart meters because they have Government targets they must reach to avoid hefty fines. Smart meters can also save suppliers money, as they automatically send meter readings via a mobile phone-like signal in real time without a need to send someone out to read the meter. But one in ten smart meters does not work properly, according to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Alan Beverley, 51, of Lincolnshire, says: 'Prices are being hiked by stealth. The energy companies win both ways – forcing us on to smart meters by stopping older RTS meters working. After this it is only a matter of time before they take away discounted Economy 7 tariff rates.' John Dobson, 59, of Swindon, Wiltshire, is furious at the constant messages from his supplier Ovo Energy telling him he must make the switch. The retired IT worker, married to Luce, 54, says: 'This is just the latest sneaky trick adopted to convince us to accept the flawed technology. Until companies can prove the meters never go wrong, I will refuse to sign up.' He adds: 'Economy 7 lowers bills for people who have gone to the expense of having storage heaters installed years ago. It will cost us hundreds of pounds if we lose the special night tariff deal, with storage heaters we have installed becoming an obsolete waste of money.' Some industry experts believe the rushed switch is unnecessary and the deadline should be scrapped. Wireless technology expert Nick Hunn, of WiFore Consulting, says: 'These suppliers should not force you to have a new meter against your will with unnecessary threats designed to panic customers into the move. I wish the rollout was done properly rather than customers being constantly ordered to switch.' When Money Mail contacted energy watchdog Ofgem, the regulator said there was no need for customers to panic – households 'will be protected' from simply being cut off while any changes are rolled out. The regulator says it is not simply 'flicking a switch' – but that any change could take months or even years. The end of June only marks the start of the process. A spokesman said: 'We want energy suppliers to treat customers fairly. We have demanded action plans from every supplier and are scrutinising them to ensure robust contingencies are in place to protect customers who remain on RTS meters following the phased switch-off.' The BBC delivers the RTS signal from a transmitter in Droitwich, Worcestershire. It says: 'We do not own the RTS, we simply deliver the signal using our transmitter on behalf of the Energy Networks Association (ENA).' An Energy UK spokesman says: 'Given June 30 is fast-approaching, the industry is working closely with the Government and regulator on a carefully managed phase-out process to avoid disruption to any remaining customers, particularly those in vulnerable circumstances.' If you're unsure whether your home uses RTS, look for a switch box with a label that says 'Radio Teleswitch' beside your meters. A spokesman for British Gas says: 'It is an industry initiative involving all electricity providers, Ofgem and Energy UK. The electricity supply to any customer who has an RTS meter will not be switched off.' Scottish Power was contacted for comment.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Ed Miliband wants kill switches in your house
That nice, goofy Ed Miliband. Why would he possibly want to cut off your heating? As the UK staggers towards an energy cliff edge, and days on which supply can't meet demand, this is becoming a genuine fear. A 'kill switch' is a mechanism that stops a device operating to fulfil its primary purpose – and now two thirds of UK households have one. It's called a smart meter, and 35 million can be used to remotely cut off supplies as of the end of March. Labour's aspiration is to have three in every property: one for water, too. So can a power company cut you off, just like that? The suppliers certainly have a statutory right to do so. With conventional meters, bailiffs require a warrant to enter the premises and disable the connection. With a smart meter, which is talking to a network all the time, it can be done with a flick of a switch back in a remote control room. However, this is where it gets complicated. Consumers still have layers of legal protection from capricious decisions – and even if you're in desperate financial trouble, disconnections are very rare: you're far more likely to be switched to a prepayment or credit scheme than be cut off. Ofgem rules state that a supplier must make at least ten visits before installing a prepay meter, and asses the vulnerability of the user, particularly if they are elderly or have young children. So far the threat of disconnection has arisen from our possible failure to pay for energy. But going forward, the threat is of 'demand management' – that is rationing of energy. For decades we have neglected supply, in the hope that demand would come down. It leaves us in a near state of emergency. The lifespan of a combined cycle gas plant rarely exceeds 25 to 30 years, explains Kathryn Porter of independent energy analyst Watt Logic. She reckons that with over 10GW of our gas generation fleet built in the 1990s and 9.3GW more built in the 2000s, around a third of the gas generation 'is very vulnerable to closure in the next five years'. 'Most of these older units won't be economic if anything breaks', she says. The problem is that there are often periods, sometimes quite long, when wind and solar produce little if any power. Our increasingly rickety gas infrastructure may soon be unable to back it up. Suppliers may have no choice but flick the switch. Load shedding, the euphemism for forced disconnections, takes place when demand exceeds supply. One mechanism for this is rolling blackouts. Another would be the use of smart meters to cut off supplies in a more targeted way. 'Demand management was always the unwritten drive behind smart meters,' says a senior industry source. He told me that he was shocked how many of his industry peers are relaxed about energy becoming a luxury good rather than a 24x7, always-on utility. A year ago the Government was mocked for warning us to stock up on bottled water, along with battery powered radios, torches and wet wipes in case of a national emergency, like a power cut. In Miliband's Britain, no one's laughing now.
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. .
