SCOTS could be faced with major problems with their home heating systems if they are not switched over, as a watchdog and charities express “deep concerns” over potential hardships if alternatives aren’t urgently provided.
Homes across Scotland could be left without heating and hot water if they don’t swap out old meters by June next year as the energy regulator, Ofgem, is set to switch off the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) longwave system for good.
As of June 2024, more than 860,000 domestic and small business properties in the UK are reliant on the RTS signal, with more than 241,000 of them located in Scotland, according to Consumer Scotland.
This week, Scottish Power customers were told via letter that if they “may be worrying” about the RTS switch-off, they can be “assured” that the company will be in touch before March to give them information on the company’s proposed way forward.
However, Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) said there are concerns over the potential disruption and hardship that the RTS switch-off could cause.
Matthew Lee, senior policy officer at CAS, told the Sunday National there was a particular concern about the switch-off's impact on rural and island communities where replacing meters can be slow and difficult.
“We’re deeply concerned about the potential disruption and hardship that the RTS switch-off could cause,” he said.
“There is a risk that anyone who has an RTS meter after the proposed switch-off date will be unable to use heat and hot water or in some cases, won’t be able to turn off their heating. This will create added pressure for people across Scotland, many of whom are already struggling with high energy bills.”
Lee went on to explain that tenants and housing providers have already started to approach their local Citizen Advice Bureau for advice regarding concerns over the switch-off.
“While our network of advisers will do all they can to help people, successful outcomes rely on suppliers putting the right resources in the right places. The pace of replacing meters needs to increase, and fast, as the switch-off is only months away,” he said.
“We’re particularly worried about the impact the switch-off will have on rural and island communities where fixing or replacing meters can be slow and difficult.
“Our data shows that energy debt is higher in rural Scotland than urban areas, making it vital that people in these communities don’t suffer further detriment.”
Lee added: “The regulator, government and suppliers must act now to ensure no-one is left behind by the switch-off.”
According to Ofgem, the RTS system, which uses long-wave radio signals to tell some electricity meters to switch between on and off-peak, is no longer viable.
When the switch-off was announced by the energy regulator back in October, it stated that with the current monthly rate of replacement, it would be 2028 before all RTS meters across the UK are upgraded.
Ofgem’s director of consumer protection, Charlotte Friel, said at the time it was clear that swift and drastic action was needed to accelerate the process.
Frazer Scott, chief executive of Energy Action Scotland, has warned that some households may find themselves on a “vastly more expensive” tariff with no warning adding to the financial pressures of the ongoing energy crisis.
“We are extremely concerned that after years of notice, neither the Scottish Government nor Westminster has taken the required action to protect tens of thousands of households from the consequences of switching off this vital signal,” he said.
“Households may find themselves without heating, hot water, energy or on a vastly more expensive tariff with no warning, adding to the huge financial pressures on electricity-dependent households in Scotland.
“It’s a positive move that suppliers are contacting affected households, but it is imperative that a plan is in place to make sure the required changes are made at pace and scale, especially during winter.”
Consumer Scotland's head of energy, Kate Morrison, echoed the calls for urgent action to address the switchover, adding that the industry has had “ample time” to devise a solution.
“Suppliers have been instructed to contact households affected by the RTS switch off, but we understand this may raise concerns, particularly if consumers are not being offered an immediate solution,” she said.
“Measures must be in place before the switch-off next summer to avoid consumer harm. There has been ample time for the industry to plan.
“We continue to recommend urgent action to ensure consumers do not suffer harm as a result of the switch-off.”
Acting Minister for Climate Action, Alasdair Allan (below), said the Scottish Government has urged on energy companies to prioritise RTS customers and have raised their own “serious concerns” with the UK Government calling for urgent action.
He said: “Energy infrastructure and regulation is the responsibility of the UK Government and Scottish ministers have no powers to intervene. Given the large number of households in Scotland using the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), we remain very concerned about the potential impact of its suspension on consumers, particularly in rural and island communities.
“We have written to energy companies urging them to prioritise RTS customers and will continue to press Ofgem and suppliers to lead a coordinated and effective change programme between now and June 2025. We have also raised our serious concerns with the UK Government and will continue to call for urgent and proportionate action.
“Consumers should contact their energy supplier in the first instance. However, we recognise that there are challenges in upgrading RTS meters which are no fault of the consumer, and would advise consumers to contact Advice Direct Scotland who offer free and impartial advice and support.”
A Scottish Power spokesperson said: “RTS is an industry-wide service introduced in the 1980s and there are plans in place to switch off the signal that supports the service.
“All electricity suppliers are contacting impacted customers to explain what is happening and the options available to them before the service ends on June 30, 2025. For the majority this will involve offering them an upgrade to a new smart meter, which will offer them similar benefits to RTS.
“We would encourage customers to get in contact with us as soon as possible when prompted to discuss next steps and support the best option being taken ahead of the summer.”
