More than 300,000 households across the UK are being told to take “urgent action” as they are at risk of having their electricity switched off.
Thousands of households that have Radio Teleswitching System (RTS) meters that have not been upgraded will be switched off.
Energy companies have acknowledged the current rates of replacement are taking time and the older RTS meters control hot water and heating and on 30 June they will become obsolete.
Ned Hammond, Energy UK’s deputy director for customers, told BBC Radio 4’s You And Yours programme that the rate of replacement is rising, but added: “Obviously we’d need to increase from there significantly still to replace all the meters by the end of June.”
Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: “Our member organisations across the country will continue to do all they can to support the transition and raise awareness of the switch, but urgent action is now required.
“There is a very real risk that over 300,000 households will find their RTS meter stops working properly come 1 July 2025.
“With pressures on the replacement programme growing and with limited engineer availability, especially in rural areas, there’s a real risk of prolonged disruption, particularly for vulnerable households.
“Government, regulators and energy firms need to face up to the looming crisis and ramp up efforts to help people switch.
“At the same time we now need to ensure contingency measures are in place for those who do not make the deadline and require energy suppliers to ensure fair metering and billing practices.”
A Smart Energy GB spokeswoman 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.”
