Changeworks is urging householders to contact their energy suppliers now to navigate the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) switch-off and prevent disruption to their electric heating and hot water.
While the organisation welcomes Ofgem’s decision to delay the original 30th June switch-off in favour of a phased approach, polling shows that 58% of people remain unaware of the change.
Changeworks is raising awareness of the potential impact and offering support to help householders resolve issues and secure upgrade appointments at a time that suits them.
RTS meters rely on longwave radio signals – a technology that is now becoming obsolete. As a result, households need support to transition to a smart meter or a suitable alternative over the RTS switch off phase out period.
Those on tariffs such as Total Heat Total Control and Comfort Plus are particularly at risk. Without this support, many risk limited, or even no, access to heating and hot water.
Changeworks, a leading organisation dedicated to decarbonising Scotland’s homes and a just transition to net zero, provides a range of energy advice services across Scotland, including support with the RTS switch-off.
Changeworks’ energy advisors have been able to support householders impacted by the RTS switch off with concerns around increased costs, and mixed messaging around how appointments are arranged.
One customer was informed that no appointments were available to switch their meter, and the supplier provided no further advice or options to request a call-back when appointments became available. This left them at risk of losing their energy supply after the initial – now scrapped – end June deadline.
Changeworks advisors worked with the customer’s energy supplier and the customer’s RTS meter was replaced, and they now have a smart meter.
Ewan Fraser, Changeworks’ Principal Advisor for energy advise services, was interviewed by BBC Radio Scotland on Monday to advise on the topic.
He said: “We’ve been able to help lots of householders with contacting their energy suppliers about the switch off, but we’re concerned many people in Scotland who may be affected are not aware.
“Communities that rely more heavily on electric heating, such as rural and island communities, are more likely to still be using RTS meters. Areas with high RTS meter usage also have significantly higher fuel poverty rates. We are therefore asking householders to get in touch for support now.”
Changeworks urges Ofgem and energy suppliers to maintain a controlled and swift approach that prioritises support for all households, especially the most vulnerable, as the RTS meter phaseout progresses.
The organisation also calls for remedial funding to be put in place to help people with the switch to smart meters, and to ensure tariffs are available so that householders impacted by the RTS switch off are no worse off.
To find out if you’re likely to be affected by the RTS shutdown and what to do next, visit changeworks.org.uk/rts-shutdown or call Changeworks’ advice line on 0800 870 8800 (9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday). You can also self-refer to receive a call back via www.changeworks.org.uk/referral.