RTS shutdown and Restricted meters.

Rocksie68

Switching from Economy 2000 & RTS Meters – My Experience

I wanted to share my experience in case it helps others in a similar situation. I have a radio tele-switch (RTS) meter installed in my flat as part of the Economy 2000 tariff, and I also have a Thermaflow combi boiler since my home is fully electric.

The issue I faced was that Scottish Power significantly increased the off-peak rates, making my energy bills much higher. I tried to switch to another provider, but no other company would accept my meter because it was a 3-rate meter.

After a long battle—including an appeal process—Scottish Power initially claimed my property was not eligible for a single-rate smart meter due to a lack of mobile signal. However, this was untrue, as the communal electricity supply in my building already runs on a smart meter.

Eventually, I took my case to the Energy Ombudsman, who ruled in my favor, requiring Scottish Power to install a single-rate smart meter, allowing me to switch to Octopus Energy.Its being installed tomorrow 4/2/2025

For those with a Thermaflow boiler and an Economy 2000 tariff, my heating engineers (NeatHeat) recommend switching to Octopus Cozy or Octopus Agile. They also offer an additional timer installation to better control when the boiler draws electricity.

My personal belief is that Scottish Power is deliberately slow in replacing RTS meters because doing so would allow many locked-in customers to switch providers. That’s just my perspective, but if you're in a similar situation, know that you can push for a meter change—and the ombudsman can support your case if needed.

Has anyone else had a similar experience with RTS meters or switching from Economy 2000

Scot_39

The main problem with 3 rate metering - and some SP systems are actually three seperate CU / circuits - on those three rates - NSH restricted - reserved list 24/7 active sockets for heating - she had a couple of fires wired on it / cooker ? - and normal iirc on one setup iirc my old aunts house.

Is that there really isn't a single 4 or 5 port meter that can handle every option.   Commonly available these days AFAIK.   

Despite at least one manufacturer - Secure Liberty 114 (smets1)  / 116 smets2 series iirc - upto 7 port smets1 then smets2 upgrade series for exactly that eventuality  (upto 3 aux live outputs - not just a five ports 1) 

But yes - they were stonewalling people I know with RTS - as still working on solution - certainly just before - even probably beyond the initial cut off date before the extension to June 25.

Elexon might update the remaining RTS installs data at the end of the month - last year to Dec they were only dropping about 10,000 per month.

hoopie8

I am with British Gas. I have two meters. Long story short engineers have told me I can't get smart meter as it will trip my two fuse boxes. I need a 2ratemeter. BG have said they do not supply these and I will need to get my house rewired to accommodate new meter. I cannot afford this and am very concerned about what will happen at switch off. BG are no help and have left me to pick up the pieces. 

QrizB

hoopie8 said:

I am with British Gas. I have two meters. Long story short engineers have told me I can't get smart meter as it will trip my two fuse boxes. I need a 2ratemeter. BG have said they do not supply these and I will need to get my house rewired to accommodate new meter. I cannot afford this and am very concerned about what will happen at switch off. BG are no help and have left me to pick up the pieces. 

Wiring after the meter is the responsibility of the property owner (freeholderleaseholder).
I'm curious as to why BG have told you "it will trip my teo fuse boxes". Could you share a photo?

Gerry1

@hoopie8

Submit a formal written complaint and go to the Ombudsman upon receipt of a deadlock letter of after eight weeks if they don't send one.

Alternatively if you're not tied in by a good fix and/or exit fees, Ditch & Switch to a Which? recommended supplier.

For example, if you switch to Octopus you could share £100 with a friend or relative who gave you a referral code, and your standing charge will probably be slightly lower as well.

Edit: Typo