Energy bill warning as thousands risk price hike due to electricity meter fault

Over 820,000 households could see their energy meters switch off if they rely on a certain type of service to run.

These specific energy meters can automatically turn heating and hot water systems on and off during certain hours which could cause one’s bill to rise.

There are thousands of families still relying on this type of energy system, according to new data by Elexon, the company responsible for managing the electricity balancing and settlement systems.

Electricity meters that rely on the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) will stop functioning after March 31, 2024.

Hundreds of thousands of customers on Economy 7 and other multi-rate energy tariffs rely on RTS, which charges customers cheaper rates depending on the time of day.

RTS broadcasts a signal alongside the long-wave channel for BBC Radio 4.

This signal is then picked up by the meter and used to switch the electricity rates at different times of the day.

They can automatically turn heating and hot water systems on and off during certain hours.

However, the RTS signal will be switched off on March 31, 2024, and these meters may malfunction which could lead to huge hikes for households who are affected by the switch-off.

From April next year, these meters could be left jammed on peak time electricity rates depending on when the RTS signal dies.

Not only does it affect energy bills, but it could also alter heating systems controlled by in left permanently on or off.

The number of customers still using RTS-controlled meters varies by firm. But new data from Elexon shows which firms have the most customers with the legacy device.

Over 100,000 customers at Eon Next, Octopus Energy (including Bulb) and Scottish Power still rely on RTS meters. A further 50,000 customers at British Gas, EDF and Ovo Energy (including Boost and SSE) still rely on RTS meters.

The only way to avoid facing the issues expected to arise from the RTS switch-off is for affected households to switch to a smart meter.

Customers that do so will still get access to multi-rate energy tariffs including Economy 7.

An Ofgem spokesperson said: “Suppliers have to make sure meters are safe and accurate, and this sometimes means replacing the meter. We expect suppliers to communicate clearly to their customers about this.”

However, if someone doesn’t hear from their energy supplier, Energy UK recommends that customers get in touch to enquire about having one fitted.

People should be able to tell if they have a meter that relies on the RTS by looking around their meter.

There will be a separate switch box next to their meter with Radio Teleswitch Service labelled. If someone is unsure, they can contact their energy supplier and ask.