The replacement of RTS meters is complex, and the challenges and implications of the RTS switch off are not always fully understood by the energy industry. Some energy suppliers do not appear to fully understand the risks of households being left without heating or hot water. This is deeply concerning. The Panel has heard from stakeholders about the harm that could occur for consumers left on RTS meters after the switch off. For example, Energy Action Scotland has highlighted that for vulnerable RTS customers there is a genuine risk to life in the event of a catastrophic loss of supply. Furthermore, stakeholders have highlighted that households risk facing increased energy charges (with the associated risk of debt) if their heating is left on as a result of their meter no longer receiving signal. Without enforceable regulations that ensure that this does not occur, the already critical energy debt situation in GB5 will be exacerbated.
Even where RTS meters have been replaced, there is still a risk that customers will face higher prices as a result of their new tariffs. In his January letter to the Minister for Energy Customers, the Scottish Government’s Acting Minister for Climate Action, Alasdair Allan MSP, highlighted instances where consumer bills are rising considerably due to the supplier changing the tariff post-meter change.
It is important to note that the potential negative consequences of the RTS switch off will not be evenly spread across society. The table below provides data on five of the six rural local authorities that have significantly higher fuel poverty rates than Scotland as a whole67. We can see that, as well as having high levels of fuel poverty, these areas also have low levels of smart meter installations8. They also have a high proportion of RTS meters compared to their population share.
| Local authority | Estimated % of households with an RTS meter9 | % of households with a smart meter10 11 | Fuel poverty rate12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shetland Islands | 47% | 10% | 31% |
| Orkney Islands | 33% | 12% | 31% |
| Na h-Eileanan Siar | 21% | 16% | 40% |
| Argyll and Bute | 18% | 27% | 32% |
| Highland | 15% | 35% | 33% |
Furthermore, we know that the rate of fuel poverty is higher amongst those using electric heating systems13 and, therefore, issues related to the RTS switch off are likely to impact those who are already comparatively more vulnerable.