Call for better communication after RTS delay is announced
The widespread switch-off of obsolete energy meters will not happen at the end of this month, as had been planned.
Instead, energy regulator Ofgem has confirmed there will be a phased switch-off of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) from June 30.
The delay follows widespread concern over the pace of replacement.
The announcement was welcomed by Advice Direct Scotland, but at the same time the organisation voiced concern at the “confusion and anxiety” the issue had caused.
It called for urgent clarity and better communication for affected consumers.

Maree Todd, the MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, had warned that the June 30 switch-off deadline was “unrealistic”.
Introduced in the 1980s, RTS meters use outdated longwave radio signals to switch between peak and off-peak rates, prompting demands for urgent action to avoid more than 100,000 households being left without control of their heating or hot water.
Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “We welcome confirmation that the full switch-off of RTS meters will not go ahead on June 30, but it is disappointing this clarity has come so late.
“Announcing such a major change just 12 days before the deadline has caused unnecessary confusion and anxiety.
“Many of those we support have been left uncertain about what to expect and how to prepare. Vulnerable households need time, support and confidence in their energy supply.
“We now need a clear timetable for the phased switch-off, with information on which areas will be affected and when. Energy suppliers must give practical advice in good time, and any issues must be resolved quickly.
“We stand ready to help, but coordination and clear communication are essential.”
Advice Direct Scotland runs the national energy advice service energyadvice.scot. Support is available online or by calling 0808 196 8660.
The RTS infrastructure is at the end of its operational life. Many of the components required are no longer manufactured, so there is a need to replace all RTS meters to avoid a risk of failure.
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The “carefully managed phase-out” will see the signal initially being switched off for small groups of meters at a time.
All affected customers will be contacted prior to their meter being switched off.
The best way to avoid disruption remains to book a meter replacement as soon as possible, and customers are advised not to leave it too late as there is increased demand for appointments.
Ned Hammond, deputy director (customers) at Energy UK, said: “The RTS technology is over 40 years old and has reached the end of its life, which is why suppliers have been pulling out all the stops to replace the remaining RTS meters over recent months – coordinating resources, mobilising installers and ensuring technical solutions are available for every home.
“This includes direct contact to customers through multiple channels, in addition to extensive outreach and advertising campaigns in partnership with local authorities, consumer groups and Ofgem.
“As a result of these efforts, installation rates have increased to around 1800 a day from 1000 a month.
“However, this momentum needs to continue and we urge customers to engage with their supplier to book an appointment prior to their meter being phased out.”
RTS uses a radio signal to tell some older electricity meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates. RTS is used for some traditional multi-rate meters and was designed to support those using electricity for heating and hot water, for example electric storage systems and panel or immersion heaters in water tanks.