The government has announced a phased approach to the decommissioning of obsolete Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters, preventing potential disruptions to heating and hot water for hundreds of thousands of households. The initial June 30th deadline proved unattainable, leaving approximately 314,000 households, including a significant portion in Scotland, reliant on these aging meters.
Instead of a blanket shutdown, a “cautious and targeted phase out” will commence, with affected homes and businesses receiving advance notice from their energy suppliers. This follows concerns raised by fuel poverty campaigners who deemed the original deadline unrealistic and potentially harmful.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirmed that replacement meters, predominantly smart meters, will be installed. Energy Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh reassured consumers that vulnerable households will avoid sudden service interruptions.
Simon Francis of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition welcomed the government’s revised strategy, urging for a transparent plan detailing the phased rollout and providing guarantees against disruptions to service and increased energy costs. Ofgem, the energy regulator, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing consumer protection and outlining supplier obligations during the decommissioning process.
Ofgem’s Retail Pricing Director, Charlotte Friel, stressed the urgency of meter replacements and encouraged customer cooperation with supplier appointments. Industry group Energy UK reported a significant increase in installation rates, highlighting the need to maintain this momentum and urging customers to schedule appointments proactively.