Following a temporary pause over the winter months, Ofgem and Energy UK have confirmed the final phase of the RTS shutdown will take place in Scotland between April and June 2026. 

Over 40,000 homes across Scotland still using RTS meters. Remaining RTS customers are being urged to make an appointment with their supplier to ensure they maintain control of their heating and hot water after the service is switched off. SFHA members also have an important role to play to support their tenants through this transition, and the RTS Portal will enable them to target their resources to those who may need support.

There have been examples of good practice with some housing associations working with individual energy suppliers to share data and work together to reach the tenants. However, this is not being done on a sufficient scale to make the progress needed and many of our members remain in the dark about how many meters within their stock still need to be replaced.

The new RTS Portal has been co-developed by SFHA and Broadleaf Professionals following financial contributions from a small group of housing associations alongside SFHA and the Rural and Islands Housing Association Forum (RIHAF). 

It will allow all SFHA members to upload their housing stock data and receive an immediate report showing homes that are likely to still have an RTS meter installed. The report will also detail the current energy supplier, so landlords can advise tenants who to request a meter change from. 

Members will also receive a weekly updated list showing changes since the last report, so that landlords can quickly identify where support is required

SFHA chief executive Richard Meade said: “Thousands of social tenants are likely to still be reliant Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters and will require upgrades to smart meters as the RTS switch-off resumes from April.

“Whilst customers who have an RTS meter must contact their energy supplier to ensure they maintain control of their heating and hot water post switch-off, SFHA’s new RTS portal will help housing associations to pinpoint which homes may still be using RTS meters and identify tenants who may require support through this transition.

“The portal has been developed in collaboration with several housing associations and RIHAF, and we hope it can be an invaluable resource in targeting tenants who have not yet made the switch.

“We trust Ofgem will also hold energy suppliers to account to ensure any tenant who requires a meter change can receive a prompt appointment and maintain their heating and hot water services. No tenant should be left worse off as a result of this transition.”

Bryan Leask, chief executive of Hjaltland Housing Association and secretary of RIHAF, said: “This new RTS portal is a vital step forward for rural housing across Scotland. For many housing associations operating in remote and island communities, gaining clear, accurate visibility of where legacy RTS meters remain has been a persistent challenge. 

“This tool puts that information directly into our hands, enabling us to prioritise upgrades, reduce risk for tenants, and ensure no household is left behind as the transition to smart metering progresses. 

“In rural areas, where distances are greater and resources are often stretched, having a single, reliable source of information will make a tangible difference, supporting better planning, more efficient delivery, and ultimately opportunities for tenants to access smart tariffs to provide affordable warmth.”

Further information about the RTS Portal can be found here. SFHA is also hosting a webinar introducing members to the portal on 2 April, further information on booking this webinar can also be found here.