Following the recent announcements that there will be a phased shutdown of the Radio Teleswitch Service, Ofgem have now updated their RTS Stakeholder Toolkit which includes a new Q&A document designed to support consumer groups and charities. 

Key messages for social housing tenants:

  • The RTS signal will begin to be phased out from 30 June because the equipment is at the end of its operational life.
  • The phased approach allows for a carefully managed process with the signal initially being switched off for small group of meters at a time.
  • All customers will be contacted prior to their meter being switched off.
  • The best way to avoid disruption remains to book a meter replacement as soon as possible.
  • There are now technical solutions for every home, so if a customer has previously been told the replacement is not possible, they should still get in touch as a matter of urgency. 

SFHA members are encouraged to continue to support tenants who may not yet have a replacement meter installed. If appointments have been booked after 30 June, customers should not worry as the switch off will be phased, and they will be contacted when the signal will be switched off for them. 

While Ofgem won’t be publishing any switch off dates in advance, affected customers or bill payers will be contacted directly and suppliers will need to demonstrate to Ofgem and government that they are ready to proceed before action in taken for each group of meters.  SFHA will continue to work with Ofgem and Energy UK to ensure housing providers are notified ahead of activity in the areas which they operate.