Smart meter warning: Fears grow over units being 'forced' as over 300,000 households told they risk losing hot water and heating

There are around 800,000 RTS meters across Great Britain that need replacing before 30 June 2025. Energy Action Scotland reports over 100,000 RTS meters remain in use, but they're being replaced at just 1,000 per day, according to Ofgem.

Without replacement, households risk losing control of their heating systems, which could run permanently during expensive peak times, causing massive bill increases.

The situation has prompted warnings from suppliers that customers "could lose heating and hot water services" if they fail to switch to other energy meters before the deadline.

Retired policeman Paul Bryant, 77, from Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, refuses to accept the switch despite repeated warnings from his supplier.

"Suppliers are bullies with phrases such as 'you could lose heating and hot water services' if you fail to switch to a smart meter," Bryant told This is Money.

The former police officer has been "bombarded" with messages from British Gas insisting he has no alternative.

"I refuse to be blackmailed into doing something totally against my will," he said.

Bryant wants to maintain control over his energy usage and continue benefiting from cheaper tariff rates.

"Smart meters take matters out of our hands so energy giants can do whatever they want with prices," he added.

Wireless technology expert Nick Hunn of WiFore Consulting criticised the rushed implementation, stating: "These suppliers should not force you to have a new meter against your will with unnecessary threats designed to panic customers into the move.

"I wish the rollout was done properly rather than customers being constantly ordered to switch."

However, Ofgem insisted there's no need for panic, explaining the actual switch-off will be carefully phased over months or even years.

An Ofgem spokesperson said said: "Suppliers need to do more and ensure customers are protected from detriment, which is why industry is putting in place a phased area-by-area shutdown beginning from June 30."

The regulator confirmed the signal serving specific areas won't be switched off until suppliers demonstrate they can respond quickly to customer issues.

RTS technology has served households since 1978, primarily through Economy 7 tariffs that charge half-price electricity between midnight and 7am.

These meters automatically switch between peak and off-peak rates, benefiting those with night storage heaters and households running appliances overnight.

However, daytime rates can be a third higher than standard tariffs, according to GoCompare.

Suppliers are pushing for smart meter conversions to meet Government targets and avoid hefty fines. Smart meters also save suppliers money by automatically sending readings without requiring home visits.

Yet one in ten smart meters doesn't work properly, according to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Ofgem explained they want energy suppliers to treat customers fairly.

They said: "We have demanded action plans from every supplier and are scrutinising them to ensure robust contingencies are in place to protect customers who remain on RTS meters following the phased switch-off."

Thousands of affected households cannot secure appointments before the deadline, with some being offered installation dates as late as August.

A British Gas customer described regularly attempting to book an installation since last October, repeatedly finding "no appointments available."

Another customer's parents faced similar difficulties with Utility Warehouse, receiving only automated responses stating "we're not able to provide you with a smart meter right now."

A spokesman for British Gas said: "It is an industry initiative involving all electricity providers, Ofgem and Energy UK. The electricity supply to any customer who has an RTS meter will not be switched off."