Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters are being switched off on 30 June: what it means for disabled people

I’m Phil, from Scope’s Disability Energy Support team. We support thousands of disabled people each year with information and advice about energy and water bills.   

Life costs more if you are disabled. Energy bills can be much higher because of medical equipment to power, or living with a health condition affected by the temperature. 

We are urging disabled people to act, before Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters are switched off on 30 June 2025. 

I recently upgraded my own RTS meter, and this is what you need to know: 

What’s happening? 

If you have an RTS meter (black box in the image), your heating and hot water supply could stop working as normal after 30 June 2025.  

You may find it’s continually left on or off, or the charging-up happens at the wrong time of day.  

Your energy bills could be much higher than before. This is because your electricity supplier won’t be able to confirm how much electricity you have used during peak or off-peak times.  

How does it affect disabled households? 

It’s important that you contact your energy supplier before the switch-off. This will ensure there is no disruption to your electricity supply or impact on your bills.  

Disabled households already have to spend far more on energy. For things like powering essential medical equipment, mobility aids, and  staying warm for your health. On average, it costs disabled households an extra £1,010 a month to achieve the same standard of living as non-disabled households.  

Why are RTS meters being switched off?  

The RTS meter was introduced in the 1980s. It uses a radio signal to switch older electricity meters between cheaper off-peak and standard rates. This radio technology is now being retired, and the system will be shut down on 30 June 2025. 

How do I know if I have an RTS meter? 

You might have an RTS meter if: 

• There’s a separate switch box near your meter labelled "Radio Teleswitch" 
• Your home is heated with electricity or storage heaters 
• There is no gas supply to your area. This includes households in rural areas and high-rise flats 
• You get cheaper energy at different times of day. Your tariff might be: Economy 7, Economy 10 or Total Heat Total Control. 

If you’re unsure, contact your electricity supplier. They can confirm whether your home is affected. 

What should I do? 

Contact your electricity supplier as soon as possible and ask for a free upgrade to a smart meter.  

You’re not required to accept a smart meter. But if you decide not to upgrade, your heating and hot water could be disrupted after 30 June, and your bills could go up.  

In some cases, a smart meter upgrade may not be available. Your supplier must still provide a suitable alternative to keep your energy supply running properly. Speak to your supplier to understand the options available to you. 

Support from Scope  

If you’re disabled and you’d like help with contacting your supplier, Scope can support you. 

To get support with the RTS switch-off before 30 June please call our Disability Energy Support service.  

Telephone 0808 801 0828, Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4.00pm. 

Alternatively, if you're worried about energy and water costs, Scope can offer free advice. Please apply for our Disability Energy Support service.