UK’s biggest energy supplier issues smart meter warning as half a million customers risk being cut off
THE UK's largest energy supplier is urging thousands of customers to take action to avoid the risk of being disconnected.
Households with outdated Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters must switch to smart meters in the next six months to avoid getting cut off, Octopus Energy has warned.
Electricity meters that rely on the RTS will stop functioning after June 30, 2025.
Hundreds of thousands of customers on Economy 7 and other multi-rate energy tariffs use these electricity meters, which charge customers cheaper rates depending on the time of day.
The devices rely on the RTS which broadcasts a signal alongside the long-wave channel for BBC Radio 4.
This signal is then picked up by the meter and used to switch the electricity rates at different times of the day.
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Some RTS electricity meters can also automatically turn heating and hot water systems on and off during certain hours.
However, when the RTS signal is switched off these meters will no longer function as intended.
This means that from June, these meters could be left jammed on peak time electricity rates depending on when the RTS signal dies.
This could lead to huge bill hikes for households affected by the switch-off.
It could also leave those with heating systems controlled by RTS on or off permanently.
Suppliers have raced to get these customers moved to smart meters before the deadline.
The Sun reported in October how 800,000 customers still needed to make the move, slightly less than the 900,000 at the start of 2024.
However, latest figures reveal that 600,000 are still on RTS meters with just six months to go before the big switch off risking them "going dumb".
Octopus Energy, the UK's largest energy company, is now fast-tracking upgrades for its customers, covering nearly a quarter of affected households.
John Szymik, chief executive of Octopus Energy Services, said: "Octopus has boosted its service capability to offer fast-tracked assistance and ensure that no one is left without heating.
"We urge all affected customers, of any supplier, to book their meter exchange now to ensure a smooth transition."
How do I know if I have an RTS electricity meter?
You'll be able to tell if you have a meter that relies on the RTS quite easily.
The oldest RTS-powered meters have a switch box labelled "Radio Teleswitch" located next to the physical electricity meter.
Others may the RTS switch box included within the electricity meter as a single box on the wall.
If you're unsure about the type of electricity meter in your home - call your supplier as they'll usually have this information on hand.
RTS is also sometimes called dynamically teleswitched (DTS).
What's the alternative to RTS?
Smart meters offer the same features as RTS in that it can record the different prices at different times of day offered by Economy 7 tariffs.
They work using a digital signal and can also show your energy usage in real-time, something many users find useful for reducing it and saving money.
Smart meters are being rolled out by suppliers across the country and around 36million households have one, though they are not without issues.
Around one in ten are thought to be "dumb" according to recent data from Ofgem.
Issues include broken display and trouble connecting to the network in some areas, while many first-generation smart meters have out of date technology, though this is unlikely to be an issue with ones fitted now.
Suppliers should make efforts to fix smart meters that are not working, but you may have to make meter readings in the meantime to ensure accurate bills.
Monitors - the part of the smart meter that show readings and usage - less than 12 months old should be replaced or fixed for free.
You can ask your supplier for a traditional meter instead, but as smart meters are replacing them, they are not obligated to give you one.
What is a smart meter?
SMART meters are gas and electricity meters that can digitally send readings to your energy supplier.
They show you how much energy you are using in pounds and pence, so can be used to help reduce your energy bill.
Unlike traditional meters, which simply register a running total of energy used, smart meters can record half-hourly price and consumption data and provide automatic meter readings to your energy supplier.
Most homes have two meters, one for gas and one for electricity – both will be replaced with smart meters.
You will also be offered an in-home display to show you the cost and amount of energy you are using at any given time
It will update every 30 minutes for gas and in near real-time for electricity.
Can I keep my RTS tariff?
Suppliers have been told by Ofgem that they must take resaonable steps to ensure they are on a like-for-like tariff after moving to a smart meter.
In some cases where this isn't possible, they must work with the customer to agree an appropriate tariff.
There may be more smart meter-only tariffs available to some customers that could save them money.
If you haven't been contacted by your supplier already, you don't need to wait for a letter asking you to switch, you can contact them directly.
An Ofgem spokesperson 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.
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"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."
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