Energy meter update as fresh warning issued to 500,000 customers ahead of switch off

HUNDREDS of thousands of people are being warned they are in danger of having their electricity and hot water switched off.

Almost 500,000 people in England, Scotland and Wales are still using old Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) energy meters, according to Energy UK.

But the service is being switched off on June 30, meaning those who haven’t upgraded by then face losing their electricity and hot water.

Customers are being urged to switch to smart meters instead ahead of the deadline.

Just under 490,000 people are still using the old RTS meters, Energy UK estimates suggest.

Here is the number of people using RTS meters across each region:

• East Midlands – 46,993
• East of England – 31,000
• London – 58,803
• North East England – 10,297
• North West England – 17,572
• Scotland – 147,246
• South East England – 92,723
• South West England – 38,804
• Wales – 10,477
• West Midlands – 18,166
• Yorkshire and the Humber – 17,788

These meters were designed in the 1980s and use radio signals to switch between peak and off-peak targets, meaning people can access cheaper off-peak energy.

They’re typically used in areas with no gas supply, such as high rise flats or houses in particularly rural areas.

Local councils have also been issuing urgent warnings to residents.

Glasgow council has said it will deploy door knockers to directly reach customers and “emphasise the importance of getting an upgrade”.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, convener for housing and development at Glasgow City Council, said: “It’s really important that anyone with one of these meters has it replaced, as it could lead to them not being able to use their heating.”

Leicester council has also sent out a warning to about 4,000 residents thought to be due an upgrade.

How to check if you have an RTS meter

If you believe you have an RTS meter, you should contact your energy supplier to arrange an upgrade.

It may also be worth getting in touch with them if you’re not sure what type of meter you have.

One way to tell if you have a RTS meter is if your home has a separate switch box near your meter with a Radio Teleswitch label.

Another sign is if you get cheaper energy at different times of day, for example, you might be on an Economy 7, Economy 10, or Total Heat Total Control tariff.

If you’re still not sure, your energy supplier will be able to confirm.

You won’t be charged for upgrading an RTS meter to a smart meter as all electricity suppliers are required to offer this upgrade at no extra cost to customers.

What you need to know about smart meters

Like the RTS meters, a smart meter can help you to save money.

That’s because they send your meter readings to your supplier automatically, so they help you avoid estimated energy bills.

Therefore if you’re taking steps to reduce your energy usage, you will reap the rewards.

The device can also help you to track your energy use as you can see how much you’re using and when you’re using it.

Around 36million households currently have a smart meter.

For the majority of people they work well and can be money savers.

But around one in 10 are thought to be “dumb”, according to recent data from energy regulator Ofgem.

Issues include a broken display and trouble connecting to the network in some areas.

Many first-generation smart meters have outdated 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.