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Thursday, February 13, 2025

UK Government Must Act as Radio Teleswitch Service End Looms

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The UK Government faces mounting calls to protect consumers as the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) prepares for a full shutdown, a move set to impact tens of thousands of households across Scotland.

The switch-off, slated for 30 June 2025, threatens to leave homes reliant on RTS meters without reliable heating and hot water, while pushing many onto pricier single-rate energy tariffs.

Scotland, with only 10% of the UK’s households, accounts for over 25% of RTS users, meaning the repercussions will disproportionately hit Scottish communities.

Energy suppliers, overseen by UK Government regulations, are responsible for replacing RTS meters, but delays in rolling out smart meter alternatives have fuelled fears of disruption.

Acting Climate Action Minister Alasdair Allan has demanded immediate intervention to safeguard affected consumers, particularly those in rural and island areas, where RTS dependency is highest.

Key areas at risk include Orkney, Shetland, Argyll, and Berwickshire, alongside urban centres like Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Highland regions.

Dr Allan has urged the UK Government to impose penalties on energy companies failing to replace RTS meters, warning of dire consequences if these households are left without functional systems.

Households dependent on RTS technology could face heating systems that fail to turn on or off as needed, adding to financial strain and leaving vulnerable communities exposed.

Despite 99.3% of the UK being covered by the smart meter communications network, gaps remain in Scotland’s rural and island regions, where the network often cannot reach.

To address these disparities, Dr Allan has called for regulatory updates to allow mobile technology to extend the smart meter network to hard-to-reach areas.

He has also pressed energy firms to provide viable alternatives for households unable to connect to the existing infrastructure, ensuring no community is left behind.

The minister’s intervention reflects growing anxiety over the impending RTS switch-off and its potential to exacerbate energy inequality across Scotland.

Dr Allan stressed that consumers should seek advice from their energy supplier or contact organisations like Advice Direct Scotland or Citizens Advice Scotland for support.

The challenge now lies in compelling the UK Government and Ofgem to take meaningful action before the looming deadline leaves thousands of households in limbo.

Scotland’s unique reliance on RTS meters underscores the urgent need for tailored solutions to prevent further disruption to already vulnerable communities.

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