HOUSEHOLDS have been warned their heating and hot water supply may be disrupted as an old-fashioned part of the UK energy network is switched off.
People with meters reliant on the Radio Teleswitching Service (RTS) are being told to brace for problems which might result in the more than 40-year old tech being retired.
RTS uses a radio signal to tell some older electricity meters to switch between peak and off-peak rates and is carried on the BBC’s long-wave transmissions from the Droitwich Transmitting Station in Worcestershire.
It is thought there are around 800,000 to 900,000 RTS-equipped meters in use throughout the UK and the service, used by some households were electricity is used for heating and hot water, will come to an end on June 30.
Energy company OVO has announced it will convene a summit of MPs, MSPs, companies and industry officials at its offices in Glasgow on March 21.
Customers who will be affected by the switch-off have been affected and told to get a new meter before the end of June.
Glasgow North MP Martin Rhodes said: “Bringing together elected representatives from across Scotland, energy suppliers and industry bodies is vital in supporting our communities ahead of the RTS switch-off on June 30.
“It’s my pleasure to be chairing this roundtable in partnership with OVO so we can explore what more can be done to reach not just my constituents, but all affected households across Scotland. I urge everyone to check their meters and contact their energy supplier if they need to make the switch.”
Scott Wilkins, OVO’s director of customer fulfilment, said: “This is a major concern for energy firms who want to do all they can to support customers. We are helping to ensure every customer impacted by the switch off feels supported and prepared, and has their meter exchange booked ahead of the deadline.”
