[Falkirk, 18.06.2025] Falkirk MP Euan Stainbank has welcomed the announcement from Government that the widespread switch-off of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) will not go ahead as planned on 30 June.
The government has confirmed that the phase-out will now begin in a more targeted way, affecting a limited number of properties while industry efforts and supplier responsiveness are closely monitored.
Mr Stainbank said:
“I welcome this delay. The consequences of a rushed switch-off were still unclear for many households, and I’ve been raising this issue for some time with Energy Ministers and Energy suppliers on behalf of local residents.
“There are still potentially thousands of people in Falkirk, especially in areas of high fuel poverty, and across the country waiting for meter replacements, and we know that some of the replacements that have already been fitted are not functioning properly. A blanket switch-off at the end of June would have left too many people exposed to unknown consequences.
“That said, this isn’t a moment for suppliers to slow down. Households need to keep booking appointments, and suppliers must get a move on in completing installations. Far too many of my constituents are still waiting, sometimes for years, on suppliers installing smart meters. The pace has improved but not fast enough—and those who are vulnerable or reliant on specific tariffs must be prioritised.
“My team and I are working tirelessly to support constituents affected by this and to push suppliers to do more. I recently launched a survey to hear directly from residents facing fuel poverty and smart meter issues in the Upper Braes, and I’ll continue using that evidence to press for quicker, more reliable action.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Euan Stainbank MP RTS Meter Switch-Off Survey is available here: https://euanstainbank.co.uk/heating-systems-survey/
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