Acting Minister for Climate Action Dr Alasdair Allan has written to Ofgem asking for urgent action to increase the pace of progress on replacing Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters ahead of the service switching off in June1. The letter was sent in response to Ofgem's consultation on the introduction of new licence conditions for the RTS1.
Support for RTS energy meters ends on June 30 20251. Ofgem's data from suppliers shows that around 18,700 RTS meters were replaced in Scotland between October 2024 and January 2025, and that as of January 2025 there were still 146,302 RTS consumers in Scotland who need to have their meters replaced1.
RTS meters are out of date, and energy suppliers are being encouraged by Ofgem to replace old meters with smart meters1. The Scottish Government states that if meters are not replaced before the service is switched off, it could mean disruption to heating and hot water supplies, and possibly higher bills for households and businesses still using the technology1.
Consumers may use an RTS meter if their property has a meter that switches between peak and off-peak tariff rates, such as Economy 7 or Economy 10, or a Total Heating Total Control tariff; has a meter that automatically turns on heating or hot water; uses electric or storage heaters; or is located in a no-gas supply area (off-grid), especially in rural areas1.
Dr Allan said:
"Protecting consumers is the Scottish Government's highest priority. The approach taken so far has been insufficient, and consumers cannot be blamed for the failure of the energy industry to properly plan for and respond to the RTS switch-off."
He also said there is a "real and pressing need for suppliers to be made to explain what their workforce plan is to get engineers to premises", that consideration should be given to additional enforcement action to reduce no-show instances, and that a fund to support consumers facing expensive re-wiring is "critical"1. Energy infrastructure and regulation is the responsibility of the UK Government1.
Why it matters for households
RTS meters use a radio signal to switch between peak and off-peak rates and to turn heating or hot water on automatically1. For homes that rely on this, particularly off-gas properties using electric or storage heaters, the meter is what makes a cheaper overnight tariff and automatic heating work1. If the signal ends before a replacement is fitted, the Scottish Government says heating and hot water supplies could be disrupted and bills could rise1.
The figures show the scale of what remains: 146,302 RTS consumers in Scotland still needed a replacement as of January 2025, against 18,700 replaced over the preceding four months1. The minister's letter also raises the prospect of re-wiring costs falling to households, which he describes as unacceptable during a cost of living crisis1. Advice is listed from Advice Direct Scotland and Citizens Advice Scotland, both on 0800 028 14561.
What happens next
Support for RTS energy meters ends on June 30 20251. Ofgem is consulting on new licence conditions for the RTS, and the Scottish Government has responded calling for further action1. The Scottish Government says it will work with Ofgem, the UK Government and industry to raise awareness of the RTS switch-off1. No further dates for the consultation or for enforcement decisions have been reported1.