**Avoiding a Heating Crisis: Government Delays RTS Meter Switch-Off**

Households Breathe a Sigh of Relief: The government announced that the switch-off of outdated Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters will be delayed, preventing hundreds of thousands of households from facing immediate loss of hot water and heating. Instead of the initially set deadline of June 30, a decisive and manageable phase-out plan will now be implemented.

Currently, approximately 314,000 households rely on RTS meters, which have been operational since the 1980s. These devices utilize a longwave radio frequency to manage energy usage by switching between peak and off-peak rates, as well as controlling heating and hot water settings. The meters are being phased out due to their obsolescence.

Energy Department Insights: The energy department emphasized that suppliers will inform affected consumers well in advance about the new timeline for the switch-off. Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh reassured that the delay will protect vulnerable consumers from sudden disruptions.

Concerns from Campaigners: Despite the government’s reassurances, fuel poverty advocates, like Simon Francis, voiced concerns that without a transparent plan, the process was destined to fail. He highlighted the need for binding guarantees to ensure no household would be left without heating or face increased costs.

Regulator’s Position: The regulator, Ofgem, echoed these concerns by stressing the importance of protecting customers during the area-by-area shutdown. Their official Charlotte Friel stated that immediate engagement with suppliers is essential for those impacted.

Industry Response: The energy sector is experiencing an uptick in meter installations, rising from 1,000 replacements a month to 1,800 daily. Industry group Energy UK encouraged consumers to proactively book appointments with their suppliers to preemptively address their meter replacement ahead of the planned phase-out.