The Radio Teleswitch Service switch off is happening on 30 June 2025.
If you already have a smart meter for your electricity then you don't need to worry. This will affect some households that use an older electricity meter to heat their home and hot water, but by now your energy provider should have been in contact with you.
What is the Radio Teleswitch Service?
The Radio Teleservice Service (RTS) uses a radio signal to tell some older electricity meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates.
It's used by some older multi-rate meters and was designed to support those who use electricity for their heating and hot water. This may include those living in rural areas with no mains gas connection, those who use electric storage systems, panel heaters, or immersion heaters in water tanks – some of which typically charge up overnight.
When is the RTS switch off?
The service will end on 30 June 2025, when the technology that supports RTS meters is being switched off.
The switch off will affect energy customers that have an RTS meter in their home. It may mean that their heating and hot water supply stops working as normal.
If you already have a smart meter for your electricity then you don't need to worry.
What are electricity suppliers doing to help?
You should have already been contacted by your electricity supplier and offered a free smart meter upgrade, before the RTS service ends. They should have contacted you by the end of 2024.
If you're unsure, contact your electricity provider to speak to their electricity supplier about upgrading their meter.
How can I find out if I have an RTS meter?
There are a few easy ways to check your meter type:
- you may have a separate switch box near your meter with a radio teleswitch label on it
- your home is heated using electricity or storage heaters rather than gas, oil, or solid fuel
- there is no gas supply where you live. This may be the case if you live in a high-rise flat or in a remote area.
- you get cheaper energy at different times of day. Your tariff might be: Economy 7, Economy 10 or Total Heat Total Control.
If you are still unsure, contact your electricity supplier, who should be able to confirm whether you still have an RTS meter. They should have already been in contact with you.
What if I don't want to change to a smart ?
You don't have to upgrade to a smart meter, but if you don't the heating and/or hot water in your home may not work once the RTS is switched off.
Your heating and/or hot water may be on continuously making your bills very expensive, or the charging happens at the wrong time of day.
It also means your electricity supplier won’t be able to confirm how much electricity you have used during peak or off-peak times, which means your bills could be much higher than before.
What if I can’t upgrade my RTS meter?
Depending on your home and the location of the meter it may be that you can't have a smart meter, however it is the responsibility of your electricity supplier to make sure you have a suitable meter installed, and that your service is not disrupted.
Speak to your supplier to understand the options available to you.
Where can I find more information?
The energy regulator, Ofgem, have created a really useful page on their website with lots more information, including a handy video.
