‘Real risk’ of heating disruption and higher costs over RTS switch-off
Maree Todd has spoken of her growing concerns over a nationwide switch-off affecting householders with certain types of electricity meters.
She warned there is “a real risk” that those who are not given an upgrade by the end of next month could see their energy bills rise, and urged the UK government to ensure no-one is left worse off.
The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) switch-off is due on June 30. RTS uses a radio signal to tell some older meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates.
Without an upgrade to a smart meter, heating and hot water in affected homes might not work properly and electricity bills could be higher.
Ms Todd, the SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, is calling on the UK government to delay the switch-off or ensure full compensation for affected households.
She says many people in Scotland, particularly in rural and island communities, face difficulties with smart-meter connectivity, wiring or a lack of engineers, preventing them from upgrading – or causing metering issues when they do.
Ms Todd pointed out that the energy regulator Ofgem has acknowledged a major delay in the smart-meter rollout, with nearly 135,000 residents in Scotland still waiting for upgrades.
Without a delay or compensation, Ms Todd added, thousands could face heating disruption and increased energy costs.
“With [less than] two months to go until the planned switch-off, I’m becoming increasingly concerned by the number of constituents reaching out with problems switching their meters,” she said.
“There’s a real risk that people who can’t upgrade in time will see their energy bills rise.
“Households should not face being penalised – especially when the fault lies with the system and the UK government.”
Ms Todd has written to the UK and Scottish governments to raise the concerns of affected constituents.
“Rather than taking responsibility, the UK government has directed households to contact their energy suppliers – overlooking the very real issues we face here in the rural Highlands,” she said. “Limited access to engineers and poor connectivity makes the transition far more difficult for many.
“The UK government must act urgently to ensure no household is left worse off due to this change. If they can’t guarantee that, the switch-off must be delayed.”
The MSP added: “If your energy supplier hasn’t contacted you with an appointment and you’re worried about the deadline, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. My office is here to help you navigate the process and contact your energy supplier.”
Advice Direct Scotland has been asking people to check their meters and contact suppliers.
It advises those with RTS meters: “If you don’t upgrade, your heating and hot water might not work properly and your electricity bills could be higher.”
One Caithness woman spoke of her frustration over the way the switch-off is being handled. She has been pursuing the issue on behalf of an elderly relative since January but has been unable so far to arrange an appointment to get the meter replaced.
The woman, who asked not to be named, explained: “I have phoned the energy supplier many times. I keep being informed that there are appointments available in our area and that they have my details on a list so I will be contacted when an appointment does become available.
“Two weeks ago, with the date approaching, I asked for an assurance that the switch-off wouldn’t happen until my relative got a new meter in. They assured me this wouldn’t happen – but time is moving on.
“It does make me wonder how many other people in Caithness are facing the same problem. Reminders are being posted out regularly, which I always respond to, but we’re still waiting for a call to say when an appointment will take place.”