The impending shutdown of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) on June 30 poses a significant threat to over 300,000 households in the UK, particularly those reliant on electric storage heaters. As reported by Laleye , the slow pace of smart meter installations, averaging only 1,000 per day, exacerbates this crisis. Households that fail to upgrade their meters risk losing access to hot water and heating, leading to increased energy bills due to inflexible tariff structures. Such circumstances disproportionately affect vulnerable populations who may lack the resources or information necessary for timely upgrades.
Energy companies have said it will be "very, very difficult" to replace all Radio Teleswitching System (RTS) meters with smart meters before the old technology is switched off on 30 June.
Most homes have standard meters and will not be affected whether they have a smart meter or not. But campaigners estimate more than 300,000 homes have the old RTS meters and could lose heating - or have it stuck on constantly.
The government said the industry had to "work urgently to continue to increase the pace of replacements".
Customers may also lose the ability to access cheaper off-peak tariffs and could face inaccurate or inconsistent billing. And in some cases, the meters may stop working properly altogether, the coalition warned.
Frazer Scott, chief executive of Energy Action Scotland, added: “Time and time again consumers are left in the dark by the government and an energy industry failing to deliver on its promises to deliver improvements.
“Let’s not forget that many of these firms are making significant profits from customers and yet their customers, including many vulnerable people, may be left without working heating and hot water or facing the prospect of spiralling costs in just a few weeks time.
A Department of Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: “The technology behind the Radio Teleswitch Service is reaching the end of its operational life and is due to be switched off from June 2025.
Furthermore, Searle highlights that many affected households are locked into peak-time rates without adequate alternatives. The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has called for immediate intervention from government entities and energy suppliers to mitigate potential service disruptions. Without prompt action and contingency plans in place, those who miss the deadline may face detrimental consequences including erratic heating patterns and financial strain resulting from higher energy costs.
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