As the deadline looms, nearly half a million people across England, Scotland, and Wales are facing the possibility of having their electricity and hot water cut off due to outdated energy meters.
The old Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters, which many homes still use, will be switched off on June 30, leaving those who haven’t upgraded their meters at risk of disruption.
Energy suppliers and local councils are racing against time to ensure that these vulnerable households can make the necessary changes in time. As the deadline nears, pressure is mounting on both consumers and suppliers to complete the transition to new technology.
The RTS Meter Shutdown: A Nationwide Challenge
According to Energy UK, nearly 490,000 homes are still using the obsolete RTS meters, which manage the delivery of electricity and hot water on specific schedules. The system, which has been in place for decades, is being phased out in favour of smarter, more efficient technology.
However, despite extensive public outreach, a significant number of people remain unaware or hesitant to replace their meters before the deadline.
The impact of this switch-off could be severe. As Joe Richardson, operations director at Octopus Energy, warns, without an upgrade, consumers could find themselves unable to use their heating or have access to hot water.
“We’re quite worried for customers who don’t replace them, as their heating might get stuck on or might not come on at all and they might not have hot water.” Richardson explains. Energy suppliers are calling on all affected customers to act promptly to avoid facing disconnections.
Consumer Concerns: Hesitancy over Smart Meters
Despite the urgency of the situation, many people are reluctant to replace their RTS meters, citing concerns over the reliability of smart meters. While these devices generally offer significant advantages, including better energy tracking and more accurate billing, some people remain apprehensive.
According to Anindita Sarkar, from Citizens Advice Bureau, these fears are understandable, but when smart meters are ”working well”. “It is technology so might have interruptions but when they’re working well smart meters have many advantages,” she said.
Some customers fear technical glitches that could disrupt their energy supply. However, smart meters have been shown to operate reliably in the majority of cases, and the benefits of switching, both environmentally and economically, far outweigh the potential risks.
Local councils, such as in Glasgow, are working to ensure that those still using old RTS meters are reached before the deadline. Glasgow City Council is deploying door-knockers to engage directly with customers, underscoring the importance of making the change.
In the meantime, many consumers, like Ilke Weiss in Goring, are already seeing the benefits of switching to smart meters. “It’s very good to get rid of this old one,” she says, noting the positive environmental impact of the change.
