Supporting you with the cost of living

The wellbeing of our customers is always our top priority and we understand the challenges many are facing due to the continued rising cost of energy, food and fuel.

To help, the Scottish Government has set up a dedicated cost of living website, bringing together a wide range of advice and support in one place.

On the website, you'll find information to help you:-

• Boost your income - check if you're entitled to benefits, grants or free services 

• Get advice on managing money and debt

• Access tailored support - for older people, disabled people and unpaid carers

• Find help with bills - including energy costs, rent or mortgage payments

 

RTS changeover to smart meters

The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) began a phased shutdown on Monday 30th June 2025, starting in specific local areas. While there will be no disruption to heating or hot water for tenants with RTS meters, it's important that tenants are informed and prepared. Answers to some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the RTS shutdown can be found below.

What is the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS)?

If you have storage heaters in your home but no smart meter, the chances are you have an RTS meter. The RTS helps electricity switch between peak and off-peak rates.

What's changing?

RTS technology started to be phased out on 30th June 2025. This affects older meters (e.g. Economy 7, Economy 10) that control heating and hot water.

How do I check if I have an RTS meter?
  • Look for a switch box labelled Radio Teleswitch.
  • You may have storage heaters or no gas supply.
  • Your tariff may be Economy 7, Economy 10 or Total Heat Total Control.
What do I need to do?

Your supplier will arrange a smart meter upgrade. If not suitable, they will explain your options. If you're unsure, you should contact your supplier.

Where can I get more help?

You can find out more at: www.changeworks.org.uk/energy-advice/managing-your-heating/rts-shutdown/

Bield tenants can also access the Changeworks Energy Support Service by calling 0800 870 8800 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) or submitting an online referral at: www.changeworks.org.uk/referral-portal-guidance/

You can keep up to date with the lastest RTS news by visiting the Changeworks website. They have also prepared a helpful guide with advice on what to say to your energy supplier about the RTS shutdown.

 

Energy price increases

As an organisation, we are committed to doing everything we can to reduce energy costs and help ensure your bills are as affordable as possible.

In the common areas, we manage the energy use carefully - installing controls to ensure that the energy is not wasted and that we use only what we need. We also intend to increase the amount we generate on sites through the use of solar panels, where possible and appropriate.

Our properties are regulated by the Scottish Government, therefore (and in keeping with our commitments), we will look to provide adequate heating while mitigating our environmental impacts. We will improve the insulation of our buildings as far as is practical to reduce the heat loss and mitigate tenant bills. We will also look to increase the number of solar panels we have installed feeding directly into tenants’ domestic circuits (where possible).

 

Additional support

If you have any concerns in relation to paying your energy bills, please speak with your energy supplier in the first instance.  Alternatively, you can contact the following organisations for additional advice and support:  

 You can also email Bield at: utilities@bield.co.uk