A looming switch-off of Residual Time-of-Use (RTS) electricity meters may leave over 300,000 households across Britain without functioning heating and hot water. This prospect would put an enormous financial weight on families as they are forced to contend with the threat of skyrocketing energy costs. As of mid-April, nearly 392,000 households still rely on RTS meters. These meters specifically, first introduced in the 1980s, were targeted towards customers who use electricity for both their heating and hot water.
Energy UK, the trade association for the electric sector, made clear that electric suppliers are under increasing strain. They need to accelerate their deployment of smart meters, as the end-date looms nearer and nearer. The flipflop is now scheduled for execution June 30. On or around July 1, we will start the process of disconnection in batches across our service area, until stopping by September 30. A spokesperson for Energy UK acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “It will undoubtedly be challenging to replace all these meters by 30 June.”
The need is desperate. Almost 1,000 legacy RTS meters are being decommissioned daily. To achieve that goal, we must make sure every household has a smart meter installed as soon as is reasonable. That means daily replacements need to be more than 5,000 on average. Campaigners have sounded the alarm over the possible consequences and warned that hundreds of thousands of homes could end up with unusable meters.
RTS meter users predominantly live in rural, remote areas of Scotland, northern England and northern Wales. They are present in metropolitan areas like London, Leicester, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
In recent weeks, Congress’ energy suppliers have intensified their efforts. They are furiously trying to complete everything in time for the approaching deadline. Energy UK added that they’re beginning to see clear evidence that this is driving a massive increase in uptick on installs. We’ve deployed to address smart meter connectivity in more remote areas to the north. These initiatives go right at the front-end technical issues.
ScottishPower has largely spearheaded these efforts thus far, having found ways around initial issues like switching customers to smart meters. The company announced, “We overcame these technical challenges a number of months ago and are able to offer a solution to all our customers through the installation of a smart meter.” Furthermore, they reassured clients with appointments scheduled beyond the June 30 switch-off date that they remain within the RTS service timeframe.
With all this progress, serious worries remain about the people who will inevitably be locked out come the deadline. Proposals aren’t enough – Simon Francis Coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition stressed the need for contingency measures for the households thrown into havoc by this policy. He stated, “We need to ensure contingency measures are in place for those who do not make the deadline and require energy suppliers to ensure fair metering and billing practices.”
As the switch-off date approaches, advertisements featuring Lorraine Kelly urge customers not to delay. “Don’t delay. The RTS switch-off is on the way.”
Ofgem, Great Britain’s energy regulator, is keeping a close eye on the situation. These self-reports require suppliers to report on progress at least bi-weekly and help hold everyone accountable to the regulations. The clock is ticking. The pressure shifts as families prepare to navigate what will likely be a difficult period of adjustment.