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Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter switch-off in June 2025
What’s happening?
If you have a Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter (in the image), they are being switched off on 30 June.
After this date, your heating and hot water supply may stop working as normal.
The RTS meter is the black box on the right. There are different types, so yours may look a little different. But they are all black and say Radio Teleswitch on them.
What will that mean for me?
You may find your heating and hot water is continually left on or off, or the charging-up happens at the wrong time of day. Your electricity costs could be much higher than before, because your electricity supplier won’t be able to confirm how much electricity you have used during peak or off-peak times.
Why are RTS meters being switched off?
The RTS meter has reached the end of its operational life. It was introduced in the 1980s and uses a radio signal to tell some older electricity meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates. The technology that supports it will be switched off on 30 June.
How do I know if I have an RTS meter?
- there may be a separate switch box near your meter with a radio teleswitch label on it
- your property is heated using 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 are still unsure, contact your electricity supplier, who should be able to confirm whether you have an RTS meter.
What do I need to do?
Contact your electricity supplier to get a free smart meter upgrade before the switch-off.
What happens if I decide not to upgrade my RTS meter?
You are not obliged to accept a smart meter. But if you decide not to upgrade, the heating and hot water in your home could be affected once the RTS service is switched off.
What happens if I can’t upgrade my RTS meter?
There may be some instances where your supplier is unable to offer a smart meter upgrade. Your electricity supplier must 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.
Disability Energy Support from Scope
If you're disabled and worried about energy and water costs, Scope can offer free advice. Please apply for our Disability Energy Support service.