Smart meter deadline puts 300,000 UK homes at risk of heating disruption
It’s something most of us barely think about, until it stops working. However, thousands of households across the UK are facing a summer deadline for the replacement of old electricity meters, which could affect one of the most basic things we rely on: hot water and heating.
Behind the scenes, a quiet phase-out is underway. Old electricity meters, known as Radio Teleswitching System meters, are being switched off for good at the end of June. They’ve been around since the 1980s, mostly used in homes that run on electric heating, often in places without a gas supply or on tariffs like Economy 7. They quietly manage the switch between peak and off-peak power, usually in the background, without fuss. However, come 1st July, they’ll stop working and unless they’re replaced in time, many homes may suddenly find themselves without heating or hot water.
That’s where the trouble starts. There are still more than 400,000 of these meters in use, and energy companies are now scrambling to replace them with newer models, mainly smart meters. At the current pace, it’s unlikely they’ll get to everyone in time.
Simon Francis from the End Fuel Poverty Coalition says the pressure is on:
“There’s a real risk of disruption, especially for people living in remote areas or those with complex heating setups. It’s not just about having hot water on demand – it’s about peace of mind, particularly for older or vulnerable households.”
For most of us this may not sound immediately relevant. However, in older flats or council homes, especially across parts of outer boroughs where electric heating is more common, RTS meters are still ticking away. And residents are starting to get letters urging them to book an upgrade.
The response? Mixed. Some people are eager to get a smart meter and move on. Others are more hesitant.
“I really don’t want one,” says Jane, who lives in Norfolk. “It’s not that I’m against technology – I just like things working the way they’ve always worked. I’m on Economy 7 and I know how to manage it. This feels like being forced into a choice I never asked for.”
Then there’s the practical problem. Diane, who lives near Cockermouth, says her supplier couldn’t even offer her a suitable replacement. “They told me they couldn’t fit anything that worked properly with my setup,” she explained. “Now I’ve had another letter saying an engineer’s coming next month, but they haven’t explained what’s changed.”
Energy UK, which represents suppliers, says companies are now replacing more than 1,000 meters a day. However, by their own estimates, that figure needs to be closer to 5,000 a day to get through the backlog before the switch-off. One spokesperson called it “very, very difficult” to get everyone sorted in time – though not impossible.
The government has said the industry needs to act quickly, and the regulator, Ofgem, has called it a consumer welfare issue. If a smart meter can’t be installed, suppliers are required to offer a “suitable alternative” with no cost or disruption to the customer. You can check your setup by looking for a separate switch box marked “Radio Teleswitch” near your meter, or by calling your provider directly.
And if someone asks you to pay for the upgrade? Don’t. That’s likely a scam.
With the summer deadline creeping closer, many are still in the dark about what happens next. For now, the best advice is to check your meter, talk to your supplier, and make sure you’re not left without heating when you need it most. It may feel like a niche issue – but for hundreds of thousands of households, it’s fast becoming very real.
More guidance is available on the Ofgem website for anyone unsure whether their home is affected.
For more on home energy, infrastructure, and how these changes affect London households, visit EyeOnLondon. We’d love to hear your views in the comments.
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