Radio Teleswitch Service for electricity meters switches off from 30th June: what this means for homeowners
What is the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS)?
The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) is a service which uses long-wave radio signals to switch electricity meters from peak to off-peak price rates, and back. It allows the user to save money by heating their electric boiler or storage heater during off-peak hours, rather than during peak hours.
Why is the RTS being switched off?
The RTS was introduced in the 1980s, and is now out-of-date compared to modern smart meters, which measure energy consumption without radio waves and send automatic readings to energy suppliers. The RTS will be switched off in phases this year, beginning on the 30th June. This is despite the fact that over 100,000 Scottish homes still use RTS meters, and efforts to replace them with modern smart meters have so far been slow-moving.
What will the RTS switch-off mean for landlords and tenants?
If your property continues to rely on an RTS meter after the signal is switched off, your electricity supply for heating and hot water may be interrupted. You or your tenants may also face extremely high bills, as your meter will no longer automatically switch from peak to off-peak rates.
A report on ‘Fuel Poverty in Remote and Rural Scotland’, published by the Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel in partnership with ALIenergy, Scarf, and Tighean Innse Gall (TIG), found that people in rural areas are more likely to use electric storage heaters and be reliant on RTS meters than people in cities, so the switch-off could have a disproportionately negative impact on people in rural areas.
The report also highlighted that those already in fuel poverty, or who are otherwise vulnerable, could be unaware that they will be affected by the switch-off. They could face serious financial strain or interruptions to their service.
What should landlords with RTS meters do now?
Energy suppliers are supposed to have contacted all affected households to explain the switch-off, and offer a replacement smart meter in time for the 30th June. However, some owners have reported to Advice Direct Scotland that they have not been made aware, or that their efforts to arrange an appointment to install a new meter have been met with delays. Landlords should contact their tenant to check whether they have received notification from the supplier and arranged for a new meter to be installed.
Where there has been no communication, we recommend that, rather than waiting for your energy supplier, landlords get in touch with them as soon as possible if you have an RTS meter, to arrange the replacement. The switch-off will occur in phases, but there is no clarity from Ofgem or the energy suppliers as to when each region of the country will be switched off. Therefore, it is best to treat 30th June as a deadline for arranging your replacement meter. Some affected owners have already been given appointments beyond this deadline, so be prepared for some delays.
If you are not sure what type of meter you have, here are some tips to assist:
- Look at your meter, which may have a separate switch box beside it labelled ‘Radio Teleswitch’
- Check your last bill, or ask your tenants to do this, as people with RTS meters get cheaper electricity at certain times of the day. The tariff may be called something like ‘Economy 10,’ ‘Storage Heating Control’ or ‘Total Heating with Total Control’
- If your home has a storage heater, or electric boiler, it may use an RTS meter
If in doubt, contact the electricity supplier to find out.
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