One issue featuring heavily in my inbox over recent months is the imminent switch-off of the Radio Teleswitch (RTS) signal that controls charging times for storage heaters and hot water immersion tanks in homes across Orkney and the Highlands and Islands.
There are currently thousands of RTS meters still to be replaced across the islands and the region. There is a real risk – when the signal stops – that folk may see their heating and hot water either stay on permanently, even at peak rate times, causing potentially higher bills, or go off permanently, leaving households without heating and hot water.
If ever there was a practical example of the UK privatised energy system not being fit for purpose, this is surely it.
The UK Government, energy regulator Ofgem, and the energy companies themselves have known for around 14 years that the RTS system would come to an end at some point. They can’t say they haven’t had time to plan.
However, as we approach the 30th June deadline for the signal to end bookings for meter replacements are already b.eing made by some companies for dates well into July.
With this scenario playing out in Orkney and across the country, MSPs took part in a debate on the topic at Holyrood last week, with stories of the lack of urgency in the pace of meter replacements; of cancelled engineer appointments with no explanation; of technical issues even when meters are being replaced, with smart meters unable to get a signal; and of inaccurate billing. There is also concern over tariffs such as Total Heating Total Control, that used to give extra flexibility for heating and hot water, being replaced by tariffs that have less cheap-rate options, potentially leading to higher costs.
With Scotland’s islands and rural areas – having no access to cheaper mains gas – being disproportionately affected by the disappearance of the RTS signal, we see yet another example of how energy policy being reserved to Westminster is not serving Scotland well at all.
The UK’s privatised energy system appears to still be on its knees following the energy crisis of 2021-22, with only short-term respite from a 7% drop in the energy price cap for three months from 1st July. I know from speaking to folk across the region that energy debt is higher than in previous years, with so many other living costs having increased.
There is a real concern that the RTS disaster heralds another winter of anxiety for energy customers.
The Scottish Government has very little power to do anything, but it was encouraging to hear Gillian Martin, as Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, say that communication with Ofgem is ongoing on the many issues that myself and other MSPs are hearing about from constituents.
As we wait for the UK Government, Ofgem and energy companies to resolve the issues causing concern to customers, the Scottish Government will play its full and proper part in any necessary resilience planning and response.
This is a regular column by SNP MSP Emma Roddick. All Highlands and Islands MSPs have been offered the same space in The Orkney News to share their personal views.