Act Now or Risk Losing Power: Octopus Energy Urges UK Households to Upgrade Old Electricity Meters Before June Deadline.
As the June deadline quickly approaches, Octopus Energy is warning UK households still using outdated radio teleswitch (RTS) meters to upgrade immediately or face the risk of losing power. These meters, which have been in operation since the 1980s, rely on BBC longwave radio signals to switch between peak and off-peak electricity tariffs. However, as the BBC prepares to phase out the radio signals on June 30, 600,000 affected customers may find themselves without heating, hot water, or the benefit of off-peak energy rates unless they take action now.
Why You Need to Upgrade Your RTS Meter Before It’s Too Late
RTS meters primarily impact households that use electric heating and hot water systems, such as electric storage heaters, panel heaters, and immersion heaters. These customers benefit from lower rates during off-peak hours, which the RTS meter helps to manage. The technology behind RTS meters is outdated, and with the BBC discontinuing its longwave radio signal, these meters will no longer work, leaving users vulnerable to a potential disruption in service.
The situation is particularly concerning for the 600,000 households relying on RTS meters, as without an upgrade, they may be unable to heat their homes or access hot water. In addition, the loss of off-peak tariffs could lead to significant increases in energy costs.
Octopus Energy’s Efforts to Assist Affected Households
Octopus Energy, which serves around 25% of the affected households, has been proactive in helping customers switch to smart meters before the deadline. The company is deploying additional engineers to fast-track the upgrade process, ensuring that affected households won’t be left without heating or hot water when the RTS system is switched off.
In addition to maintaining heating systems, upgrading to a smart meter offers several advantages. These modern devices provide valuable insights into energy consumption, enabling customers to monitor their usage in real-time. Smart meters also give access to smart tariffs, which offer lower rates during specific periods, including times when there is excess renewable energy available.
The Benefits of Making the Switch to a Smart Meter
John Szymik, CEO of Octopus Energy Services, has emphasized the importance of smart meters, particularly in the context of the rapidly changing energy industry. “Octopus has boosted its service capability to offer fast-tracked assistance and ensure that no one is left without heating. We urge all affected customers, of any supplier, to book their meter exchange now to ensure a smooth transition.”
To further incentivise customers to make the switch, Octopus Energy is offering a complimentary Octopus Home Mini to customers who upgrade to a smart meter. This device links to the smart meter and allows users to track their energy usage and costs in real-time, providing enhanced visibility and control over their energy consumption.
How to Book Your Meter Upgrade
For households affected by the RTS meter phase-out, Octopus Energy is urging customers to book their meter exchange as soon as possible to avoid any disruptions. Customers can easily express interest through their online Octopus account, ensuring a smooth transition to a smart meter before the June 30 deadline.
Octopus Energy is making significant efforts to ensure that its customers are prepared for the upcoming changes. By upgrading to a smart meter, households not only protect their heating and hot water access but also gain valuable insights into their energy usage, helping them to better manage costs and take advantage of smart tariffs. If you’re one of the 600,000 households relying on an RTS meter, act now to avoid future inconvenience and unnecessary costs.
Octopus Energy is a UK-based energy company that aims to make energy simpler, greener, and more affordable. Founded in 2015, the company offers renewable energy tariffs, smart technology, and innovative customer service, with a focus on delivering better value to households and businesses. Octopus Energy provides 100% renewable electricity to its customers and works to promote sustainability through initiatives like smart meters, which help customers track their energy use in real-time and access smarter, more affordable tariffs. The company has quickly gained a reputation for its customer-first approach and transparency, becoming one of the fastest-growing energy suppliers in the UK. In addition to its retail business, Octopus Energy Group also invests in renewable energy infrastructure and partners with other energy companies to drive innovation and promote a greener, more sustainable future for the energy sector.
