Fears have been raised for over 77,000 households and businesses in Scotland – mainly in rural and remote communities – who are using outdated radio signal technology for their energy meters.
Scottish Government ministers have warned that the phased switch-off of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) will disproportionately impact many Scottish consumers who rely on the service to connect their energy meters.
The phased switch-off of RTS is led by industry and started on June 30. Around 4,000 meters will be switched off in Scotland during the next phase of the transition.
However the UK Government has a responsibility to ensure that the switch-off for RTS energy meters is delivered with no disruption to the heating and hot water supplies of households and businesses.
Energy secretary Gillian Martin said: “Energy infrastructure and regulation is the responsibility of the UK Government. However, given the large number of households in Scotland using the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) we continue to be very concerned about the potential impact of its suspension on consumers, particularly in rural and remote areas.
“It remains vital that all consumers on RTS meters are offered and receive a working replacement as soon as possible and energy suppliers need to significantly increase the number of replacements in Scotland.
“It is also essential suppliers ensure a coordinated and carefully managed phased switch-off, so that all consumers, and particularly vulnerable households, are protected at all times.”
She added: “The Scottish Government continues to hold the energy industry, UK Government and Ofgem to account through the RTS Taskforce – and continue to seek assurance from industry that there will be no interruption to Scottish consumers’ energy supply. It is vital that contingency and emergency response planning is in place so that people aren’t impacted by the switch-off.”
Over 77,000 households and businesses in Scotland are still relying on RTS meters, with rural and island areas, including Orkney, Shetland, Argyll and Berwickshire, among the most affected areas. Glasgow City, Highland, and the City of Edinburgh are also among the most affected local authority areas.