The UK government has announced a delay in the switch-off of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters, which affects hundreds of thousands of households nationwide that depend on these devices for heating and hot water. Originally scheduled for June 30, the phase-out will now be implemented cautiously and in a targeted manner to avoid disrupting service for affected residents.
Arrière-plan
As of last month, approximately 314,000 households were still utilizing Radio Teleswitch Service meters. These devices, in use since the 1980s, operate on a longwave radio frequency to manage energy rates and control heating and hot water systems. The process of replacing these obsolete meters with smart meters has been ongoing; however, the pace of replacement has not met the previous deadline, raising concerns about potential service disruptions for vulnerable populations.
About one-third of households using Radio Teleswitch Service meters are located in Scotland, highlighting the geographical distribution of this issue. The government acknowledged the critical situation faced by consumers reliant on these meters and emphasized the need to prevent any sudden interruptions in service.
Réponse Officielle
Energy consumers minister Miatta Fahnbulleh stated that this measured approach means “thousands of vulnerable consumers” will not experience a sudden disruption at the end of June. The energy department has committed to notifying affected households well in advance of any switch-off, allowing time for necessary adjustments.
Regulator Ofgem has reiterated its commitment to protecting consumers during the transition away from Radio Teleswitch Service meters. Ofgem’s retail pricing director, Charlotte Friel, emphasized that it is essential for all meters to be replaced swiftly and urged consumers to engage with their suppliers to schedule appointments.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Fuel poverty campaigners have criticized the initial deadline as “simply unachievable,” expressing concern that the rushed process had been “doomed to failure.” Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, has called for transparency regarding the gradual phase-out plan, specifying which regions will be affected and when.
Francis added, “Crucially, we also need firm and binding reassurances that no customers will be left without heating or hot water and that no household will face higher bills as a result of the changes.”
Industry responses indicate a positive shift, with Energy UK reporting an increase in installation rates for new meters from 1,000 per month to 1,800 per day. Ned Hammond, deputy director for customers at Energy UK, urged consumers to actively engage with their suppliers to arrange for appointments ahead of their meter phase-out.
Quelle est la Prochaine
The government’s transition strategy will now unfold in a more gradual manner, aiming to minimize impact on households relying on Radio Teleswitch Service meters. As suppliers continue to upgrade the system, close communication between utilities and customers will be paramount to ensure a seamless transition.
Overall, stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation as the focus shifts to planned rollout strategies and the ongoing protection of vulnerable consumers during this essential energy infrastructure change.
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