Rhoda Grant Scottish Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands has expressed her concerns for her constituents who have not yet had a smart meter installed exposing them to the risk of unnecessary higher energy costs for years to come.
Mrs Grant says she has learned that although the Radio Teleswitch Meters (RTS) are due to be switched off in Scotland in June of this year the smart meter rollout is still behind its stated targets, and this leaves an imminent risk to households in the Highlands and Islands.
Mrs Grant wants all constituents to know that as it stands those that have RTS affected heating and hot water, will need to get a meter change. Some RTS electricity meters can also turn heating and hot water systems on and off during certain hours. When the RTS signal is switched off these meters will no longer function as intended. This means that from June, these meters could be left on peak time rates.
Mrs Grant said “If constituents do not get a smart meter, their heating/hot water could either stay on all the time or not come on at all. Both are worrying prospects for households”.
Mrs Grant fully agrees with the plans and encourages people to switch over to digital smart meters. She says “It is true however that there are issues with the pace of the installation process from request through to final installation. There have been examples of people being faced with no heating or hot water. I have been working with Energy Action Scotland on pressing the regulator on ensuring that it is not possible for an installer to leave anyone without heat or hot water”.
Mrs Grant understands the regulator, Ofgem, will be issuing further communications for households. Mrs Grant urges householders not to wait but to contact their supplier to check the type of meter they have and to book their meter exchange if necessary. If constituents are concerned there is help available: ALIenenergy (alienenergy.org.uk) works across Argyll & Bute, and into Highland and Energy Action Scotland (eas.org.uk), provides a postcode checker on their website to help householders find advice, help and support in their area. Council and social tenants should speak to their landlord.