David Barrett of EHC discusses the major change coming in June which will affect over 900,000 electricity meters in UK homes with night storage heaters, and what this means for landlords.
The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) is a nationwide system that has allowed electricity suppliers to remotely control when meters switch between peak and off-peak tariffs. This has enabled the use of economy 7 tariffs, where electricity is cheaper during the night when demand is lower.
However, the RTS infrastructure is now being decommissioned on 30 June and the service will no longer be available. Meters that currently rely on RTS to access off-peak tariffs will need to be upgraded to smart meters in order to continue benefiting from cheaper night-time electricity rates.
If tenants don’t arrange to have a smart meter installed, they will be stuck on the more expensive peak electricity tariff 24 hours a day. This could lead to a significant increase in their heating and hot water costs, especially for those using night storage heaters or off-peak immersion heaters.
As a housing provider, this change presents both challenges and opportunities and you have a responsibility to ensure your tenants have access to affordable and reliable heating. The end of the RTS poses two key challenges that you’ll need to address, as follows:
- Tenant engagement: You’ll need to proactively communicate with your tenants about the upcoming changes and encourage them to have smart meters installed before the RTS service ends. Many tenants may be unaware of the implications, so raising awareness will be key.
- Smart meter availability: Unfortunately, smart meters rely on mobile phone signals to operate, and in some areas, the coverage may be poor. This could prevent some tenants from being able to have a smart meter installed, leaving them stuck on the more expensive peak tariff.
Opportunities for Modernisation
While the end of the RTS presents challenges, it also creates opportunities for housing providers to modernise their tenants’ heating and hot water systems. By being proactive, you can help your tenants avoid higher energy bills and improve the energy efficiency of your properties.
One option is to upgrade night storage heaters to modern heat retention radiators. These highly efficient heaters do not rely on off-peak tariffs, so they can be used with older RTS meters. This could be a good solution for tenants who are unable to have a smart meter installed.
Heat retention radiators feature a state-of-the-art controller that allows for easy manual or wireless temperature and time control. These intelligent temperature control systems are designed to reduce energy bills and maximise controllability. The heat-retentive stones inside the radiator first warm up, then distribute heat across the front surface and channel it upwards, quickly warming the surrounding air while also providing radiant heat.
For hot water heating, you could look at replacing older hot water cylinders with new, energy-efficient models, or consider installing zero-carbon electric boilers to provide hot water without the need for off-peak tariffs.
Seek Support & Advice
As you navigate these changes, it’s important to seek support and advice from experts in the field. Companies can provide guidance on upgrading heating systems, as well as information on the latest energy-efficient technologies and funding opportunities that may be available.
By working proactively to address the end of the Radio Teleswitch Service, you can help ensure your tenants continue to have access to affordable and reliable heating, while also improving the overall energy efficiency of your properties.
David Barrett is CEO at Electric Heating Company (EHC)