A SIMPLE tool can check if you'll be impacted by a huge electricity meter switch off in just a few weeks' time.
The switching off of services powering Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters, could leave 300,000 customers facing inaccurate bills or even being disconnected entirely.
Ofgem is pressuring energy companies to replace all affected meters before the RTS signal is switched off later this summer.
The RTS system, which broadcasts a signal alongside BBC Radio 4's long-wave channel, currently controls the switching of electricity rates at different times of the day.
Some meters even use it to automatically manage heating and hot water systems.
But as the RTS signal is scrapped, these meters will no longer function properly, leaving families in limbo.
This means that starting from June, these meters could be left jammed on peak time electricity rates depending on when the RTS signal dies.
So, it's important that those with the outdated meters contact their suppliers to avoid being overcharged or even cut off entirely.
And, a can help if you're not sure if your meter will be affected or not.
The free-to-access website allows you to upload a picture of your meter before informing you if you'll be impacted.
If you do need to act, the website will also let you know what you need to do before the switch off.
The RTS switch off was initially scheduled for last year but the service was extended to give firms more time to help customers make the move.
And, in a fresh update, regulator Ofcom has confirmed the switch-off will take place in phases rather than happening all at once on June 30 - as planned.
However, it has not yet set out exactly how these phases will be carried out or which regions will be switched off first.
And, insiders have said some meters might keep working until September.
Ofgem told The Sun that the first phase of the shutdown will target areas or meter groups where enough meters have already been replaced.
This is to ensure that areas with a high number of still-active RTS meters won't be affected right away.
Despite this it has still not confirmed which regions will be switched off first.
A spokesperson added: "The RTS upgrade programme is an urgent consumer welfare issue and Ofgem is determined to explore every avenue to ensure that customers are protected when this ageing 40-year-old technology is phased out.
"Ofgem has also demanded action plans from every supplier, which we are scrutinising on an ongoing basis to ensure that robust contingencies are in place to protect any customers who remain on RTS meters after the phased switch-off process begins."
Despite the reassurances frustrated energy customers have claimed they can't secure appointments to replace their outdated electricity meters.
YOU'LL be able to tell if you have a meter that relies on the RTS quite easily.
The oldest RTS-powered meters have a switch box labelled "Radio Teleswitch" located next to the physical electricity meter.
Others may the RTS switch box included within the electricity meter as a single box on the wall.
If you're unsure about the type of electricity meter in your home - call your supplier as they'll usually have this information on hand.
Smart meters offer the same features as RTS in that they can record the different prices at different times of day offered by Economy 7 tariffs.
They work using a digital signal and can also show your energy usage in real time, something many users find useful for reducing it and saving money.
Smart meters are being rolled out by suppliers across the country and around 36million households have one, though they are not without issues.
Around one in ten are thought to be "dumb" according to recent data from Ofgem.
Issues include a broken display and trouble connecting to the network in some areas, while many first-generation smart meters have outdated technology, though this is unlikely to be an issue with ones fitted now.
Suppliers should make efforts to fix smart meters that are not working, but you may have to make meter readings in the meantime to ensure accurate bills.
Monitors—the part of the smart meter that shows readings and usage—less than 12 months old should be replaced or fixed for free.
You can ask your supplier for a traditional meter instead, but as smart meters are replacing them, they are not obligated to give you one.
Suppliers have been told by Ofgem that they must take reasonable steps to ensure they are on a like-for-like tariff after moving to a smart meter.
In some cases where this isn't possible, they must work with the customer to agree an appropriate tariff.
There may be more smart meter-only tariffs available to some customers that could save them money.
If you haven't been contacted by your supplier already, you don't need to wait for a letter asking you to switch, you can contact them directly.
BELOW we reveal how you can calculate your own energy bill.
To calculate how much you pay for your energy bill, you must find out your unit rate for gas and electricity and the standing charge for each fuel type.
The unit rate will usually be shown on your bill in p/kWh.The standing charge is a daily charge that is paid 365 days of the year - irrespective of whether or not you use any gas or electricity.
You will then need to note down your own annual energy usage from a previous bill.
Once you have these details, you can work out your gas and electricity costs separately.
Multiply your usage in kWh by the unit rate cost in p/kWh for the corresponding fuel type - this will give you your usage costs.
You'll then need to multiply each standing charge by 365 and add this figure to the totals for your usage - this will then give you your annual costs.
Divide this figure by 12, and you'll be able to determine how much you should expect to pay each month from April 1.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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