British Gas has issued a major smart meter warning for large households that risk a huge bill rise before the major switch-off. Over 300,000 households face higher energy bills and risk losing access to hot water as a major signal control.
Households continue to use the RTS (Radio Teleswitch Service) meters should be upgraded to smart electricity meters by June end. This initiative is to avoid being disconnected from paying immoderate rates.
RTS-dependent electric meters will stop working after June 30, 2025. British Gas previously managed an average of 61,000 RTS meters, according to a report, and still 12,000 meters need to be replaced before the mentioned deadline.
These RTS customers must alter their meters by the end of June, or they will face risk consequences. After this deadline, RTS-meters will stop functioning. So, the customers can face trapping, disconnection, or abnormal electricity rates. The heating system may also not work properly after this deadline.
The energy supplier stated that the affected customers can arrange a free appointment with an engineer as soon as possible. The situation has become worse now with 430,000 customers still using RTS meters, according to a UK news report.
Engineers are making 1,000 installations each day, which means 300,000 households could be left without the RTS meter alteration by July 1. So, the customers can face their hot water may be left on continuously or off. The suppliers may not provide you with the exact electricity usage during peak or off-peak times.
The customers can struggle with a higher electricity bill than before. The coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, Simon Francis, stated that there is a true risk that more than 300,000 households will face their RTS meter stop function by June 30.
The Chief Executive of Energy Action Scotland, Frazer Scott, warned that households have been left in the dark by the government. He also added that the energy industry is failing to deliver on promises.
He said that the companies are making tremendous profits still risk is left with the households. Scott also said that the impact of failure on the health and well-being of customers across Scotland does not even bear thinking about.
The customers with RTS meters are requested to contact their supplier immediately. They should ask the supplier to make arrangements for a free replacement to avoid a disruption.
Households should urge for smart meters that can automatically adjust switching times according to tariffs, providing great flexibility.
