Millions of Brits warned to ‘act now’ as power meters are set to cease working
Energy regulator Ofgem has issued an urgent warning to Brits over a specific type of energy meter that they need to take immediate action. The watchdog’s “act now” warning affects those households sporting outdated RTS electricity meters—which will stop working from June next year due to the axing of their controlling radio signals.
Ofgem urgently advised: “Do you have an RTS electricity meter? From June next year these will stop working. Your energy supplier will be able to confirm whether you have an RTS electricity meter and book the installation of a new one.”
Additionally, they flagged a potential hiccup, cautioning: “The radio signal that controls RTS electricity meters is being switched off. If you have an RTS electricity meter it will need to be replaced. If your supplier contacts you, act now.”
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They emphasised the threat of homes losing proper control over their heating and hot water functions without this crucial tech, which could spell disaster for many home’s everyday routines. Ofgem further informed customers that energy companies will reach out to organise a swap to smart meters, adding: “We expect electricity suppliers to replace all RTS meters before the technology supporting RTS ends in June 2025,” giving a ray of hope amidst the technical turmoil.
If you’re wondering whether you’re affected by this big switch-off, you likely have one of these troublesome gadgets if your electricity meter switches between normal and off-peak rates, or it commands when exactly your heating or hot water should turn on, particularly on electric or storage heaters, reports Birmingham Live.
If you’re unsure about the type of meter installed in your home, it’s best to contact your electricity supplier. A smart meter can offer similar services to your RTS meter, along with additional benefits.
These include automatic submission of electricity readings, access to ‘smart meter only’ tariffs, the ability to monitor your energy usage, and accurate bills based on your actual electricity consumption rather than estimates.
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