Hundreds of thousands of people still using old radio teleswitch service (RTS) meters could be left without electricity or hot water from this summer, experts have warned.
RTS meters were introduced in the 1980s and rely on longwave radio signals from the BBC’s transmitter to switch meters between peak and off-peak tariff rates.
However the equipment which broadcasts the signal from the Droitwich Transmitting Station in Worcestershire is nearly obsolete and it will be switched off on June 30.
Energy suppliers are trying to encourage those with RTS meters to replace them with more modern smart meters as a campaign is fronted by TV presenter Lorraine Kelly.
But 600,000 RTS meters remain in England, Scotland and Wales – meaning electricity and hot water supply could stop functioning at those homes after the deadline.
The regulator Ofgem is pushing energy firms to ensure the switchover is completed in time, but fears over smart meters are thought to be making some people reluctant.
Households may have an RTS meter if they have a switch box near their energy meter labelled ‘Radio Teleswitch’, or have electric or storage heaters. RTS meters are also found if there is no gas supply to the area, or in rural areas or in a block of flats.
Those who get cheaper energy at different times of day may also be impacted, including on tariffs such as ‘Economy 7’, ‘Economy 10’ or ‘Total Heat Total Control’.
RTS meters were introduced in the 1980s and rely on longwave radio signals (stock picture)
A campaign for the switchover was launched in January by a taskforce set up last year which included Ofgem and trade group Energy UK, backed by consumer groups National Energy Action and Energy Action Scotland.
This highlighted the ‘urgent need for RTS customers to book the installation of a new meter as soon as their energy supplier contacts them’.
Ofgem said at the time that it expected suppliers to transfer 100,000 customers using RTS every month until June, which it said was feasible under current plans.
All customers should have been contacted by their supplier by the end of last year, and 300,000 RTS meters were switched over last year.
Ofgem warned in the campaign: ‘Failure to act may result in the heating and/or hot water being continually left on or off, or the charging-up happening at the wrong time of day, leading to higher bills.’
Customers were told that they will not be charged for their meter replacement and should be aware of scams, given no payment details should be asked for when booking an appointment.
In a campaign video, Kelly explains what the RTS service is and how households and businesses can identify if they have an RTS meter.
It comes amid concerns from some charities that fears over smart meters could be leaving people unenthusiastic about getting rid of their RTS meter.
Anindita Sarkar, from the Citizens Advice Bureau in Reading, told the BBC that people were ‘worried’ about smart meters, despite them working well ‘most of the time’.
The equipment which broadcasts the signal for RTS meters from the Droitwich Transmitting Station (pictured) in Worcestershire is nearly obsolete and it will be switched off on June 30
She added: ‘It is technology so might have interruptions but when they’re working well smart meters have many advantages.
Dhara Vyas, chief executive of Energy UK, said: ‘Energy suppliers are working closely with consumer groups and the regulator Ofgem to urge customers with Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters to act now to upgrade their meter.
‘Energy suppliers continue to make every effort to get in touch with customers to ensure they have a swift and seamless upgrade, and can give extra support to households that need it.
‘By making sure they are in contact now, customers can minimise disruption, arrange a smooth meter replacement and continue enjoying the benefits they currently receive from RTS.’
And Danni Barnes, director of development and partnerships at National Energy Action, said: ‘Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters are often used with ageing electric heating systems, which are more common in areas experiencing severe fuel poverty.
‘The switch-off could exacerbate costs for households already struggling and result in households losing control of their heating and hot water. In the worst cases, some may not be able to use their heating or hot water at all.
‘It is crucial for anyone with a RTS meter to contact their supplier urgently to get their meter changed. Equally important is supporting people within our communities who may lack the confidence to do this on their own.’
The Droitwich transmitting station opened in the 1930s but RTS meters launched in the 1980s
In Scotland, as of October last year, more than 165,000 households and businesses were still using RTS meters, with the Northern Isles, Argyll and Berwickshire the most affected.
Frazer Scott, chief executive of Energy Action Scotland, said: ‘It is vitally important that awareness of the Radio Teleswitch shutdown is raised both quickly and widely as for decades it has provided controls that provide heat and hot water to homes across Scotland with electric heating.
‘When it does stop, people could be left without heat or be powerless to prevent bills from spiralling if their heating stays on.
‘We urge everyone, customers, landlords and local, regional and national charities to respond to the campaign to ensure that no individual and no household is left without and at risk.’
The BBC does not own the RTS, but delivers the signal from its transmitters alongside the Radio 4 longwave frequency.
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesman said: ‘We are working closely with Ofgem and energy suppliers to upgrade meters and ensure the transition is as smooth as possible for consumers.
‘There are now 37million smart and advanced meters in homes and small businesses across Great Britain, making up 65 per cent of all gas and electricity meters. These are helping to give consumers more control over their energy and save money on their bills.’
An Ofgem spokesman said: ‘We expect suppliers to consider a range of innovative solutions to ensure their RTS customers get on to a metering and tariff arrangement appropriate for them.
‘Smart meters are the best replacement for RTS meters – giving consumers more control of their energy usage and opening access to new money-saving tariffs – however, customers should speak to their supplier to understand the options that are available.’
