ISLES MSP URGES SUPPLIERS TO REPLACE METERS

SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has urged any constituents who have still not received an appointment to replace their RTS electricity  meter to get in touch with him for assistance.

In March it was estimated that around 2000 Western Isles households still had an RTS meter, which uses a longwave radio frequency to switch between peak and off-peak rates for heating and hot water. However, this signal will soon cease operating, and energy companies must change their customers’ meters by 30 June this year.

Commenting, Alasdair Allan said:

“I have been raising this matter for months now with energy suppliers, both in my MSP and ministerial roles, urging companies to scale up their RTS meter replacements schedules as quickly as possible.

“While around 1000 meter replacements a day are now being carried out across the UK, this number needs to increase to 5000 appointments a day to ensure everyone has a functioning heating and hot water system once the RTS signal is turned off. Energy suppliers have had years to prepare for this, and indeed, the original date of March 2024 was delayed to give them enough time to reach all their RTS meter customers.

“I would encourage any constituent with an RTS meter to contact my office, if you have not already done so, and I will do all I can to assist. I am in regular contact with OVO, Octopus, Utilita, Scottish Power, Scottish Gas, EDF and E.ON on behalf of many island customers and I am pleased that we have seen a marked increase in engineer activity locally, with islanders receiving timely meter replacement appointments following my intervention.

“According to Ofgem, you may have an RTS meter if:

• Your home is heated using electricity or storage heaters
• There is no local gas supply
• Your home has a separate switch box near your meter with an RTS/Radio Teleswitch label
• Your energy is cheaper at different times of day (for example, those on an Economy 7 tariff)

“Households do not need to pay to change meters – it should be noted that scam activity around this issue may increase in the coming weeks. If energy suppliers are unable to fit a smart meter in a home, they must install an alternative suitable meter with no disruption to service, according to Ofgem’s regulations.”