More than 400,000 electricity meters will soon stop working across the UK – leaving households potentially without hot water or heating.
Radio Teleswitching System (RTS) meters date back to the 1980s and use a longwave radio frequency to switch between peak and off peak rates.
But the technology is now outdated and the signal is due to be switched off on 30 June.
Concerns have been raised that thousands of homes and businesses will not have had their meters replaced in time, potentially leaving them unable to control their hot water and heating.
How to know if you have an RTS meter?
According to the regulator Ofgem, you may have an RTS meter if:
You have a switch box near your energy meter labelled Radio Teleswitch You have electric or storage heaters There’s no gas supply to your area – you may live rurally or in a block of flats You get cheaper energy at different times of day. Your tariff might be: Economy 7, Economy 10 or Total Heat Total Control.Campaigners End Fuel Poverty Coalition have written to the government warning of a “looming crisis” as the current daily switch over will not reach the target on 30 June.
According to Energy UK, the trade association which represents more than 100 suppliers, there were just over 411,000 RTS meters remaining in the country at the start of April.
Around 1,000 meters are being replaced each day.
However, the issue is much more concentrated in some parts of the UK than others.
Scotland, for example, has more than 119,000 RTS meters remaining, accounting for more than a third of the total.
More than 57,000 remain in London and a further 58,000 in the South East.
By contrast, only 2,429 remain in Merseyside and North Wales.
RTS meters used across the countryThe suppliers with the most remaining RTS meters to replace are Scottish Power, Octopus and OVO Energy.
Dhara Vyas, CEO of Energy UK, said: “Energy suppliers are working closely with consumer groups and the regulator Ofgem to urge customers with Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters to act now to upgrade their meter.
“Energy suppliers continue to make every effort to get in touch with customers to ensure they have a swift and seamless upgrade, and can give extra support to households that need it.
“By making sure they are in contact now, customers can minimise disruption, arrange a smooth meter replacement and continue enjoying the benefits they currently receive from RTS.”
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A Smart Energy GB spokesperson said: “The RTS switch-off could result in households with Radio Teleswitch meters losing control of their heating and hot water. It is therefore crucial that anyone with an RTS meter accepts an upgrade from their supplier now.
“Most RTS meter replacements will be a smart meter, which can be programmed to deliver a similar service to RTS and offer the best option for the vast majority of homes and businesses.
“Smart meters provide accurate, automatic meter readings and give you greater visibility over your energy usage, helping you to manage your usage and save money. With a smart meter you’ll also have access to a range of tariffs to suit your situation.”
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