Scots Great-Gran Left in the Dark Over Energy Meter Switch-Off
A 77-year-old great-gran from Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Galloway, is among thousands of vulnerable pensioners still relying on outdated Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters, which are set to be switched off on June 30. Margaret McLurg has had no contact from her energy supplier about the national switch-off and is worried she could be left without heating or hot water.
According to the Daily Record, Margaret turned to Advice Direct Scotland after being left in the dark about the next steps. She said: “I’ve heard nothing from them. What am I supposed to do if the lights go out? Round here we are all pensioners and we have heard nothing at all. We are all just wondering what is going to happen in June.”
The Daily Record reports that RTS meters were introduced in the 1980s and rely on outdated longwave radio signals to switch between peak and off-peak rates. Without replacement, customers risk being stuck on the wrong setting or moved onto a more expensive single-rate tariff.
Figures from the UK Government show around 139,000 RTS meters were still in use across Scotland as of March 7, including more than 47,000 in the Highlands and Islands. Advice Direct Scotland is urging households to check their meters and speak to suppliers before it’s too late.
Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “Time is running out, and for many people like Margaret, the RTS switch-off could cause serious disruption to their energy services. It’s crucial for customers to understand how this change will affect their daily lives and energy usage. For those who haven’t heard from their supplier yet, taking action now is vital."
The Daily Record also reports on the case of Christina Milligan, a 69-year-old pensioner from Wishaw, who was hit with a £700 repair bill after being “forced” to upgrade to a smart meter. Christina said she felt “aggressively” pressured to make the change by her energy supplier, who warned that her Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter would stop working after June 30.
Anyone who has not received a letter or email from their supplier should contact them now. Those needing support can call energyadvice.scot on 0808 196 8660. energyadvice.scot provides free, impartial, and practical advice on energy bills to anyone in Scotland.
Regulator Ofgem is pushing firms to complete the switchover, but earlier this month UK energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said current progress was “not acceptable”. The Daily Record understands that suppliers should already have contacted affected customers to arrange replacements.
As the deadline fast approaches, Advice Direct Scotland is receiving more calls from worried households. Concerns over smart meters are thought to be making some people reluctant to switch. The charity is urging households to take action now to ensure a smooth transition and avoid being moved to an expensive single-rate tariff or facing unreliable service.
The Daily Record has learned that Margaret McLurg’s experience is not isolated, with many pensioners facing similar uncertainty over the switch-off of RTS meters. The charity Advice Direct Scotland is working to support those affected and is urging anyone with concerns to seek advice.
In related news, the Daily Record has reported on the issue of pensioners being hit with large bills for meter upgrades. The newspaper has campaigned for greater support for those affected by the switch-off.
For more information and advice on the RTS switch-off, visit energyadvice.scot or call 0808 196 8660.
