Deadline for RTS switch-off is unrealistic, insists Maree Todd
Maree Todd has issued a renewed plea over a nationwide switch-off affecting certain types of electricity meters, arguing that a deadline of the end of next month is “unrealistic”.
She pointed to new figures showing that 13,825 homes in the Highland region are still using Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters, with only about six weeks to go until the planned change.
RTS uses a radio signal to tell some older meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates. Without an upgrade to a smart meter, heating and hot water in affected homes might not work properly and electricity bills could be higher.
Ms Todd, the SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, has previously called on the UK government to step in and give an assurance that no household will be left worse off by the change. If that can’t be guaranteed, she says the move should be delayed.
“It’s extremely concerning that such a large number of households in the Highlands are still using RTS meters with just weeks to go before the planned switch-off,” Ms Todd said this week.
“With over 13,000 households in the Highlands still waiting for their RTS meters to be upgraded, it’s increasingly clear that the June 30 deadline is unrealistic.
“In the Highlands we are facing significant barriers, including a shortage of engineers, geographical challenges and poor connectivity. These factors are making it nearly impossible to complete the rollout in time.
“Without urgent action or a delay, many people risk being left behind through no fault of their own.
“If the UK government can’t guarantee that every household will be transitioned away from RTS before June 30 then they must take responsibility and delay the switch-off.”
