2163 RTS meters yet to be replaced in Fife

Through a freedom of information request to Ofgem, the Liberal Democrats uncovered that as of 31st October, there were 2163 yet to replaced in Fife.

Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters receive radio signals to switch between different electricity rates or turn certain appliances on or off at specific times. The radio signal created by this technology, however, is outdated, so these meters are now being phased out.

If meters are switched off before they are replaced, households could be left with no heating or hot water.

For people in North East Fife it feels like energy companies haven’t learned their lesson from the mess of the first planned switch-off. I am very concerned about the number of vulnerable customers that will be affected. It would be absolutely devastating if their meters are switched off before being replaced, potentially leaving them with no heating or hot water.  

Despite knowing for at least a decade that these meters were on their last legs, energy companies only started acting at the very last second. Both companies and the regulator need to get serious about accelerating the pace at which meters are being replaced and make sure no one loses out once the planned switch-off is complete.