A BBC expert has warned that approximately 600,000 individuals need to take immediate action to avoid having their hot water and heating disconnected. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Ben Boulos explained that those affected must take action within the next few months.
The issue arises from the use of outdated meters that rely on the Radio Teleswitch service, which was designed for tariffs with varying rates throughout the day, such as Economy 7 or Economy 10. However, the equipment is being decommissioned, which will cause electrical and gas equipment to cease functioning.
Mr Boulos stated: “Older models of meter like these, in particular, if you’re on a tariff like Economy 7, Economy 10, or others that have different rates at various times of the day, they run using something called the Radio Teleswitch service. It’s a signal that’s broadcast to energy firms, and it allows these meters to switch between peak and off-peak rates or turn your heating or hot water. On and off, but the equipment is old and it’s hard to maintain. So it’s being switched off.”
The switch-off was initially scheduled for 10 months ago, but officials realised hundreds of thousands would be left without service. However, the deadline is now June 2025.
He stated: “This was originally meant to happen last March, but that deadline has now been extended to this June. The thing is, there are still 600,000 households and businesses using these old meters, and the message is this: you need to switch before June, or you risk losing your heating and hot water. Your supplier should have been in touch already. If not, look out for a box like this next to your meter. This is the radio switch itself.”
Charlotte Friel, director for retail pricing and systems for Ofgem, said: “In most cases, the answer will be getting a smart meter, and that will actually open up potentially a wider range of tariffs and options to those customers that could give them more control over their bills and certainly more visibility of their energy use.”
“But if customers have any concerns about the tariff arrangement or the metering arrangement that they’re being offered to switch to, then they should contact the supplier to understand the best options available to them. The government told us it’s working with Ofgem, the regulator, and energy suppliers to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.”
Ofgem, the independent regulator, and Energy UK have kicked off a fresh campaign today, urging owners of radio teleswitch service (RTS) meters to “act now” for a meter upgrade from their energy supplier before the system is turned off later this year. The push includes a TV advert with Lorraine Kelly cautioning viewers “don’t delay”.
Without an updated electricity meter, households could find themselves without heating or hot water when the system is deactivated, warns Ofgem.
RTS meters, which date back to the 1980s, depend on longwave radio signals from the BBC’s transmitter to toggle between peak and off-peak tariff rates. But this broadcasting equipment is nearing obsolescence, with a shutdown set for June 30.
An Ofgem spokesperson has stated: “The campaign has been launched because of the urgent need to increase the rate of RTS meter upgrades across Great Britain before the signal is switched off from June 30 2025.”
“It is important that RTS customers book their installation as soon as they are contacted by their supplier. All customers should have been contacted by their supplier by the end of 2024.”
“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.”
Ofgem also noted that replacing an RTS meter is free of charge and cautioned customers to be alert to scams.
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