Wishart comments on energy report calling for delay to RTS switch off

Responding to a new report from the Scottish Government's independent fuel poverty advisory panel calling for the RTS switch off to be delayed, Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart has criticised the difficulties constituents have faced in securing metering appointments, poor communication around the switch off from energy companies and Ofgem and a lack of resources for those facing being left in the cold.

The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), used by energy suppliers for some electricity meters, particularly in island and rural areas, to control heating and hot water systems, is set to end on 30 June 2025. At this point affected households face having their heating and hot water stuck either off or on.

According to Ofgem figures, provided by Energy Action Scotland to Ms Wishart, as of 18th April, across Scotland there were 124,864 meters still needing to be exchanged including 22,579 in Glasgow and 17,175 in Edinburgh. This is a decrease from 129,814 on 4th April and 134,829 on 21st March. This suggests that if the current trend continues the backlog of meters will not be completed for around a year.

Ms Wishart’s Shetland constituency is especially badly affected with 4,204 meters still to be replaced out of around 10,600 households.

The Liberal Democrats have called on the UK Government to require energy suppliers to compensate any households that request a replacement meter before the shutdown but never receive one.

Beatrice Wishart MSP said:

“The Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel have identified many issues with the RTS switchover that will be familiar to those in rural and island areas, from reported difficulty securing metering appointments to poor communication around the switch off and a lack of resources.

“Ofgem have been reported saying that RTS will be ended through a phased area-by-area shutdown starting on 30th June. There has been no official announcement of how this will work.

“The RTS switch-off continues to be a source of anxiety for many customers, who are now facing added uncertainty. It is far from clear how a phased area-by-area shutdown will be implemented. There are so many houses still needing meters installed that unless the energy companies vastly increase the pace of installations, then a short extension of the deadline will only push the switch-off closer towards the winter months with a risk that customers will be left in the cold and without basic hot water. At the current rate it might be a year until all houses are reached.

“Ofgem are telling people to still book RTS meter replacements after 30th June and I am hearing from constituents who have only been offered one after this date.

“I am attending a roundtable with the UK Minister for Energy Consumers next week and will be seeking clarity on these points.”