Parliament warned on Radio Teleswitch Service switch-off

In a Westminster Hall debate yesterday (9 April), Alistair Carmichael MP (LD, Orkney and Shetland) raised urgent concerns about the impending Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) switch-off scheduled for 30 June, less than three months away.  

The system controls electricity meter switching between prices for tariffs that charge different rates at peak and off-peak times, which is especially important to rural communities across the UK with households that rely on electricity for heating, but the energy sector has declared it to have reached the end of its operational life. Affected properties are to be fitted with smart meters but concerns have been raised about the pace of the roll-out and the number of properties still to be upgraded. 

Mr Carmichael began by acknowledging recent engagement with the issue by the relatively new Energy Minister, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP (Lab, Peckham), commending her willingness to address the problem despite it having been foreseeable years earlier. He acknowledged that the RTS technology, which allows automatic energy tariff switching for households particularly in rural, off-grid communities is becoming obsolete but criticised Ofgem and energy companies for being “asleep at the wheel” in preparing for the transition. 

Highlighting the disproportionate impact on rural communities, Mr Carmichael emphasised two critical challenges. First, the need to replace hundreds of thousands of remaining RTS meters with smart meters before the deadline. He inquired about the government’s plans to accelerate meter replacement in remote areas such as Orkney and Shetland, referencing a proposed “spring sprint” effort by energy companies. 

Second, Mr Carmichael stressed the importance of ensuring consumers would be no worse off after switching. He cited concerning examples from constituents who had already experienced increased costs after meter replacements, including an OVO Energy customer who saw their daily electricity cost jump from £5 to £15 following the switch. He questioned whether such cases violated Ofgem’s proposed “no detriment” rule. 

The MP raised additional concerns about consequences for households where meters cannot be replaced before the deadline, particularly regarding heating systems that might be left permanently on when the signal shuts down. He also noted that many areas in the Scottish isles lack the connectivity necessary for smart meters to function properly and questioned what technical solutions were being developed for these cases. 

Mr Carmichael concluded that the situation illustrated “shameful indifference” from corporations and regulators toward the unique needs of Highlands and Islands communities. 

In response, the Minister acknowledged that progress on RTS replacements had been insufficient. She revealed that as of 7 March there were still 521,892 RTS meters in Great Britain, including 139,000 in Scotland and 47,277 in the Highlands and Islands specifically. 

Ms Fahnbulleh outlined the government’s response, confirming that resources would be targeted toward regional hotspots with high numbers of RTS meters. She detailed the planned “spring sprints” in April and May, led primarily by OVO but involving other suppliers, which would focus installation capacity in hard-to-reach areas. 

Regarding connectivity issues, Fahnbulleh stated that pre-configured smart meters could be installed in rural households with poor network coverage, capable of providing services similar to RTS, including Economy 7 and Economy 10 tariffs. 

The Minister agreed with Mr Carmichael’s concerns about consumers being financially disadvantaged by the switch and confirmed that Ofgem would soon publish final proposals requiring suppliers to ensure customers are no worse off after replacement. She concluded by acknowledging that the situation should have been better managed but committed to working collectively to ensure no consumers face detriment during the transition. Rural communities that have relied on the service will be closely watching.