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RTS Meter replacement

Nigel Lathwell

We have a normal mains distribution unit and a separate off peak distribution unit controlled by an RTS switch unit each having a dumb meter. On the 16th September some one (from Calison) is being sent by our electricity supply company to enable our off-peak system to work after the RTS switch-off on the 17th September. Does anyone know how the independence from the RTS system is acheived?

  • 0

    By fitting a smart meter.  That's the only option suppliers give these days.

    It should be a "5 port" E7-compatible one - i.e. 5 terminals unrerneath rather the usual 4.

  • 0 in reply to Simon Barker

    Thank you for your reply Simon. Is the smart meter pre-programmed or does it obtain its timing information when first installed? I ask this because we are not in a very good reception spot and wonder what will happen if it goes dumb.

  • 0
    Simon Barker said:
    By fitting a smart meter.  That's the only option suppliers give these days.

    Not entirely true! Slight smile

    In Northern Ireland, NIE Networks has been replacing RTS with electromechanical time clocks.

    I know this as I have a Horstmann VA Mk9 ticking away in my meter cabinet, where the RTS used to be!

    - Ross

  • 0 in reply to Ross C

    My supplier also hinted at some sort of legacy replacement.

  • 0 in reply to Nigel Lathwell

    I ask this because we are not in a very good reception spot and wonder what will happen if it goes dumb.

    Where abouts in the country are you? The meters only use the mobile network 'down south' - here up north they use a separate long range radio system. Mobile coverage is a bit flaky inside our house, but the smart meter, which is actually in the basement/cellar works fine.

       - Andy. 

  • 0 in reply to AJJewsbury

    Hi Andy, We're down south and mobile is a bit patchy where we live although we use EE and I think the mobile network for the smart meters is O2.. It seems impossible to speak to any one who knows the technical ins and outs of any replacement system and reading between the lines I get the impression that the suppliers have have problems trying to use smart meter replacements.

  • 0 in reply to Nigel Lathwell

    There have indeed been some problems - some technical (and can usually be solved one way or another once you get someone who knows what they're about), but from my experience the majority of problems seems to be caused, or at least compounded, by the call centres/admin side of things - sending out the wrong people or with the wrong instructions, installers failing to pair displays or gas meters properly with the electric meter, or (as in my case) the central back office systems getting the data fine, but not forwarding it on to my particular supplier correctly (hardly the meter's fault at all). Generally such things can be sorted out as well - it just sometimes takes an unreasonable amount of time and frustration. No doubt the whole rollout has been rushed somewhat and things could have been better organised, but such is life.

        - Andy.

  • 0 in reply to AJJewsbury

    Yes, you are right Andy, they seem to be in a bit of a mess. I have a date for the replacement whatever that is and that should be driven by my supplier but they are telling citizens advice that they have yet to instruct the meter installation people. I hope they get it sorted out in the next couple of days.

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