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Jul 01, 2025

'Customers are left in the dark': 100,000 ageing energy meters to be switched off

A phased switch-off of the signal controlling 100,000 ageing energy meters starts today. The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), which controls these meters, is being gradually deactivated after a

A phased switch-off of the signal controlling 100,000 ageing energy meters starts today.

The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), which controls these meters, is being gradually deactivated after a last-minute intervention by the UK Government.

Advice Direct Scotland said the move, however, has left Scottish households uncertain about their energy use, as it is unclear who will be affected first.

The charity criticised the lack of clarity from energy regulator Ofgem, saying it leaves consumers in the dark.

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The RTS meters, introduced in the 1980s, use outdated longwave radio signals to switch between peak and off-peak rates.

Advice Direct Scotland said without replacements, customers risk losing control of their heating or hot water, or being moved onto a more expensive single-rate tariff.

The first phase of the RTS switch-off is intended to impact only a "very small number of homes and businesses in carefully targeted local areas".

Affected customers should be informed in advance by their suppliers, with local teams ready to swiftly respond to any heating or hot water issues.

Advice Direct Scotland has been advocating for a dedicated remediation fund, supported by the energy industry, to be established for customers facing additional costs or disruption.

It highlighted one case where a 69-year-old from Wishaw had to spend £700 fixing her kitchen after being forced to install a smart meter.

Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: "Given that there are still around 100,000 RTS meters in Scotland, a mass switch-off of the signal today would have been nothing short of a disaster.

"While it is welcome that ministers stepped in and ensured a phased approach instead, customers are still being left in the dark about who will be affected first.

"The whole process has been sorely lacking in transparency, and there is still a lot of unnecessary confusion and uncertainty about how this gradual switch-off is going to work.

"As well as more clarity, we would like to see a commitment to an industry-backed remediation fund, ensuring that nobody is left out of pocket for replacing their meter.

"The most important thing to remember is that free help and advice is available.

"Anyone who is worried should visit www.energyadvice.scot or call 0808 196 8660 for assistance."