Thousands of homeowners experience a sense of relief as the meter shut-off date gets postponed.
Avoiding a Heating Crisis: UK Delays RTS Shutdown
D Dodging a potential disaster, hundreds of thousands of UK homes can rejoice as the government postpones the shutdown of their old electricity meters. This move aims to prevent a potential crisis in heating and hot water access.
Originally, the shutdown of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) was set for 30th June, but the government confirmed that this won't happen as planned, averting a potential catastrophe. Instead, the phase-out will start gradually, giving energy suppliers more time to upgrade the meters and protect vulnerable customers.
"Saying goodbye to cold showers for thousands is a relief," said Energy Consumers Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh. "We're managing this process carefully to shield those most at risk."
Raising Concerns
As late as May, over 314,000 homes, including more than 100,000 in Scotland, were still using outdated RTS meters. These '80s relics control heating and hot water systems via radio signals. Worries mounted that many homes would not see meter upgrades in time, plunging into darkness and facing heftier bills if the meters were turned off before replacements were installed.
Fuel poverty campaigners cried foul, with the original deadline branded "unachievable" and posing a risk for widespread chaos.
Phased-Out Slowly and Carefully
The updated strategy begins with a small-scale, targeted switch-off in carefully chosen locations. Households and businesses will receive ample notice from their energy supplier about when meter replacements will occur. Primarily, these swaps will involve upgrading to modern smart meters that mimic RTS functionalities.
Ministers emphasized that the new approach allows for closer monitoring by regulatory body Ofgem, ensuring that vulnerable customers are given top priority. Ofgem is also working on new rules requiring suppliers to offer replacement tariffs that maintain or improve customers' current situations, a key demand from consumer groups.
Suppliers under the Pump
Criticism has mounted against suppliers for their slow pace of replacements. Despite years of warnings, they were unable to ramp up installations to meet the original deadline. In response, the government has made it clear that suppliers must increase their efforts and resources.
"Suppliers need to pull their socks up," said Minister Fahnbulleh. "Especially in remote and rural areas, everyone needs to be reached, and without delay."
The government will hold fortnightly meetings with Ofgem and industry leaders to track progress, with a particular focus on Scotland, where RTS meters are most common.
Next Steps
RTS meter owners should expect to hear from their energy suppliers soon about scheduling their meter replacements. Most upgrades involve swapping to smart meters, preserving off-peak pricing and automatic heating schedules. Consumers are encouraged to respond promptly to booking requests and ask questions when unsure. The government assures everyone that no one will be left in the cold during this transition.
1.To ensure a smooth transition, energy suppliers are advised to expedite the installation of new smart meters that replicate the functions of RTS meters, following the government's phased-out plan.
2.The phase-out strategy commences with a strategic and selective shutdown in chosen locations, ensuring prior notice is given to households and businesses about the meter replacement timeline.
3.Ministers have emphasized the importance of monitoring vulnerable customers throughout the meter replacement process, with Ofgem playing a key role in overseeing this initiative and implementing new rules requiring suppliers to provide replacement tariffs that maintain or improve current customer situations.
4.In response to slow progress by suppliers, the government will hold regular meetings with Ofgem and industry leaders, particularly focusing on Scotland, where RTS meters are most common, to track progress and address concerns.
5.As officials guide households and businesses through the process, the general public is encouraged to respond promptly to booking requests and to ask questions when uncertain about their meter replacements, upgrades, and costs.
6.To avoid a potential energy crisis and ensure that no one is left without heating or hot water, the government is committed to working closely with the energy industry, finance, politics, and general news sectors to deliver timely and effective solutions.
