So, like, tons of people might be left without hot water or heating if their old electricity meters stop working. Energy companies are freaking out because they have to replace all these Radio Teleswitching System (RTS) meters with smart meters before June 30. Most homes with regular meters are cool, but around 300,000 homes with RTS meters could be in trouble. These old meters are on their way out because they use outdated technology and need to be replaced ASAP.
Since the 1980s, RTS meters have been using some radio frequency thing to switch between peak and off-peak rates. But now, they’re becoming obsolete, and energy companies are on a deadline to switch them out by June 30. As of March, there were still 430,000 households using RTS meters, and only around 1,000 are being replaced daily. That’s way too slow if they want to get it all done in time.
Energy UK’s Ned Hammond said they’re trying to replace meters faster, but it’s still gonna be a struggle to get it all done by June. Simon Francis from the End Fuel Poverty Coalition is worried that over 300,000 households will be left meter-less come July 1. That’s not a good situation, especially for vulnerable households.
The good news is that RTS meters only control heating and hot water, so your lights and stuff should be fine. But still, it’s a big problem that needs to be fixed. Energy companies are working on a plan to switch everything over by June 30, but there are challenges, like people not trusting smart meters. Some folks have had issues with smart meters giving wrong readings, so they’re hesitant to switch.
Jane from Norfolk is one of those folks who doesn’t want a smart meter. She’s happy with her RTS meter and doesn’t see the need for a change. Diane Gray from Cumbria wants a smart meter but is having trouble getting one that works with her current setup. It’s a real headache for her, especially with winter coming up.
If your energy supplier can’t install a smart meter, they have to give you a suitable replacement with no service disruptions. Ofgem says you might have an RTS meter if you have a separate switch box with a Radio Teleswitch label, use electricity for heating, don’t have gas, or have an Economy 7 tariff. If you think you have an RTS meter, reach out to your supplier to get it replaced.
So, basically, it’s a race against time to replace all these old meters before they stop working. Energy companies are doing their best to get it done, but it’s gonna be a close call. If you’re affected by this, make sure to reach out to your supplier and get it sorted. Otherwise, you might be in for a cold shower come July 1.
