Moray householders urged to check electricity meters and not be left without heating or power
Households are being urged to check their electricity meters ahead of a major change that could leave homes without heating, hot water or power.
The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) - used by energy suppliers to control heating and hot water in many homes, especially in rural and island communities - is due to be switched off on June 30, 2025.
This national shutdown means that any household still using an RTS meter risks losing control over their energy supply.
In rural areas of Moray, many residents are discovering they are not eligible for smart meters due to poor connectivity, and are instead being offered basic ‘dumb’ meters. These replacements often require monthly manual readings, a significant burden for elderly, disabled, or digitally excluded residents.
Buckie councillor Sonya Warren is now calling for people to take urgent action and have awareness, after several constituents raising the issue..
She said: “If your home is still using an RTS meter, you could lose your heating and hot water after June 30.
“Many households in Moray haven’t been offered proper alternatives. I'm asking residents to contact their energy suppliers immediately and request a suitable replacement meter.”
Key concerns include: No automatic replacement - Energy suppliers are not proactively replacing all RTS meters. You must check and arrange this yourself; Loss of heating and hot water - After the RTS signal ends, systems may stop working if no replacement is in place; Manual reading burden - Many Moray homes are being given dumb meters, requiring monthly meter readings by phone or online; Lack of smart meter access - Poor signal and rural location mean smart meters aren't available to many Moray households; Financial impact - New tariffs may be more expensive than current RTS-based rates;
With fewer than seven weeks remaining, the public is being urged to check your current meter type. If it uses RTS, contact your energy supplier immediately.
Householders should also ask for a meter exchange and push for the most suitable option - preferably a smart meter or supported alternative.
Request tariff information to ensure your new tariff won’t leave you worse off.
The situation is being closely monitored by local authorities and all levels of government, who are calling on energy providers and national regulators to ensure no community is left behind.
Councillor Warren added: “Heating and hot water are basic needs.
“We must ensure every Moray resident is protected and prepared before the RTS switch-off.”
