Changeworks calls on residents across Scotland to act now ahead of RTS switch off

• 58% of people in Scotland are unaware of the RTS shutdown, leaving many at risk of being caught out
• Susan, a homeowner in Orkney, experienced long delays and confusion trying to book a meter upgrade with her supplier
• Changeworks can support householders including social renters to contact their energy suppliers before the deadline

Thousands of Scottish households relying on electric heating could face disruption from June 2025 as the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) is switched off. Changeworks is calling on residents across Scotland to check if they’re affected and get support now to avoid being left without properly working heating or hot water.

Despite the looming deadline, new polling from Changeworks reveals that 58% of people in Scotland are unaware of the RTS shutdown - leaving many at risk of being caught out. With just over two in five aware (42%) and a quarter expressing concern (26%), Changeworks is urging action now - before heating and hot water are impacted. Social renters are more likely to have RTS meters, and people in urban areas such as Edinburgh and Glasgow and people in the Highlands are more likely to have RTS meters than in other parts of Scotland. Rural areas often have less access to gas-based heating. The RTS controls when some home heating systems switch on and off, and when electricity switches between peak and off-peak pricing, which helps households on electric heating tariffs save money. Those on tariffs such as Total Heat Total Control and Comfort Plus are particularly at risk.

Changeworks, a leading organisation dedicated to decarbonising Scotland’s homes and a just transition to net zero, is offering free advice and support to help people find out if their meter is affected. Changeworks has supported people like Susan, a homeowner and energy advisor in Orkney, to find out if their meter is affected. This support is crucial as many people are finding the switching process difficult to navigate. Susan experienced long delays and confusion trying to book a meter upgrade with her supplier.

“I struggled with a lack of information, especially around my tariff. I think it’s important for people to keep asking their supplier for information and complain if they don’t get it,” said Susan. With guidance from Changeworks and the Energy Ombudsman, she eventually secured a smart meter, saving over £100 on her energy bill last month thanks to better usage insight.

“Many people don’t even realise they’re on a tariff that uses RTS, especially in rural areas where electric storage heating is common,” said Anna Scott, Affordable Warmth Energy Advisor at Changeworks. “If people don’t know they’re affected, they won’t take action - and that could leave them with costly and inconvenient energy issues. That’s why we’re urging households to check now and get in touch. We’re here to help.”

Changeworks can support social housing tenants to find out if they are likely to be affected by the RTS shutdown and what to do next. Visit changeworks.org.uk/rts-shutdown or call Changeworks’ advice line on 0800 870 8800 (9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday). Tenants can also self-refer or be referred by their Housing Association to receive a call back via www.changeworks.org.uk/referral.