Forced installation of smart meters for more than half a million homes, in line with energy advisories
The end of an era is approaching for the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters, which have been in use since the 1980s. These meters, commonly found in households and businesses, are used for off-peak energy tariffs like Economy 7. From 30 June 2025, these meters will be permanently shut down, marking the beginning of a phased switch-off [1][2][3].
Energy suppliers are working closely with Ofgem and consumer groups to ensure a seamless upgrade process for RTS meter users. The government, Ofgem, and energy companies are collaborating to ensure a smooth transition to smart meters, which are being promoted as the primary replacement for RTS meters [4][5].
RTS meters are often paired with electric or storage heaters and are common in areas without a gas network, such as rural areas or blocks of flats. Over 600,000 households and businesses still rely on these outdated meters [6].
The technology used by RTS meters, which relies on BBC Radio 4's longwave signal, has reached the end of its operational life. Failure to upgrade could result in network disruptions and increased costs. Customers are advised to contact their energy supplier if they have concerns about their options [1][2][3].
If your energy tariff offers cheaper rates at specific times (Economy 7, Economy 10, or Total Heat Total Control), you might have an RTS meter. The switch box near the meter may be labeled "Radio Teleswitch" to indicate it is an RTS meter.
Energy suppliers have obligations to contact affected customers at least two weeks before the switch-off in their area and to arrange appointments for meter replacement to prevent disruption. Energy suppliers must also treat customers fairly and prioritize vulnerable customers during this transition [1][2][3].
Customers who fail to upgrade their RTS meters risk losing important functionalities such as remote switching between peak and off-peak electricity times, and control of heating and hot water systems. This can lead to loss of heating or hot water services. In extreme cases, customers could face higher bills due to lack of access to cheaper off-peak rates [1].
The campaign to replace RTS meters includes TV, radio, and billboard adverts, with TV presenter Lorraine Kelly helping to raise awareness. Ofgem, alongside energy suppliers British Gas, EDF, EON, Ovo, and Octopus, is urging customers to act swiftly to avoid disruptions and further challenges [4].
Acting early can help customers avoid disruptions and enjoy the benefits of modern energy management. Upgrades to smart meters come at no extra cost to customers. So, don't wait - contact your energy supplier today to arrange an appointment for your RTS meter upgrade.
[1] GOV.UK: Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters - what you need to know [2] Ofgem: Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters [3] Citizens Advice: Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters [4] Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy: Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters [5] National Grid: Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters [6] Energy UK: Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters
- The upcoming phased switch-off of Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters, commonly used for off-peak energy tariffs like Economy 7, will mark the end of an era in the energy industry.
- The technology used by RTS meters, which relies on BBC Radio 4's longwave signal, has reached the end of its operational life.
- Energy suppliers are collaborating with Ofgem and consumer groups to ensure a seamless upgrade process for RTS meter users, who number over 600,000 households and businesses.
- Smart meters, being promoted as the primary replacement for RTS meters, are being supported by the government, Ofgem, and energy companies.
- If you have an RTS meter, which is often paired with electric or storage heaters and common in areas without a gas network, you might have an energy tariff that offers cheaper rates at specific times.
- Customers who fail to upgrade their RTS meters could face higher bills due to lack of access to cheaper off-peak rates and potential loss of heating or hot water services.
- Acting early to upgrade to a smart meter, which comes at no extra cost to customers, can help customers avoid disruptions and enjoy the benefits of modern energy management.
