Fears for thousands ahead of major power switch off

Stark warning as signal on RTS meters prepares to shut down

- STEPHEN BARK

Almost 6,000 households in Ayrshire have still to have their radio teleswitch (RTS) meters replaced just weeks before the signal is switched off.

The latest available figures, from mid-April, revealed that 5,923 households across the county were still relying on an RTS meter to record their energy usage.

At the current rate of replacement, more than 4,500 homes in Ayrshire will still be relying on RTS meters when the signal is turned off on Monday, June 30.

RTS meters, introduced in the 1980s, use outdated longwave radio signals to switch between peak and off-peak rates.

Without replacement, customers risk being stuck on the wrong setting, moved onto a more expensive single-rate tariff or losing heating and hot water.

Consumers are being urged to check their meters and contact their energy suppliers if they think they need a replacement, rather than waiting to be contacted.