The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) Switch off

The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) uses longwave radio signals to tell electricity meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates. It also controls hot water and heating that is powered by electricity (including electric storage systems, panel heaters, or immersion heaters in water tanks). In the UK, there are just over 900,000 RTS meters. 

What is the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) switch off?

RTS was introduced in the 1980s and has now reached the end of its natural operational life. Technology has advanced significantly since RTS was introduced, therefore it will no longer be supported or maintained from June 2025. After the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) ends your meter's timings might not work as they used to, and your hot water supply and heating could be affected. To avoid any disruption to your electricity supply, arrange for your RTS meter to be replaced with a smart meter. You can arrange this with your current supplier or give us a call, and we would be happy to assist.

What are electricity suppliers doing to help?

All suppliers have already contacted any of their customers who currently have an RTS meter (customers should have been notified before December 2024). If you currently have an RTS meter, then your supplier can install a smart meter for you free of charge.

How do I know if I have an RTS meter?

There are a few ways to find out if you have an RTS meter. Firstly, if your hot water and heating are powered by electricity or storage heaters, then you most likely have an RTS meter. Likewise, if there is no gas supply to your property at all (such properties in rural areas), then you likely have an RTS meter. 

You should also be able to tell if you have an RTS meter by having a look at your meter. Check if there is a separate switch box near your meter with a radio teleswitch label on it. 

If you get cheaper energy at off-peak times (and don't have a Half-Hourly meter), then you may have an RTS meter (e.g. economy 7, economy 10 or total heat total control tariffs)

If you're still unsure whether you have an RTS meter, contact your electricity supplier, who should be able to confirm if you do.

Can I stay on the same tariff I am on now?

If you contact your supplier, they will be able to tell you what tariffs are available for your supply. Most of the big energy suppliers in the UK have confirmed that the tariffs will remain the same or only have a slight difference. The main difference you may notice is slight changes to the timings of the peak / off-peak tariffs.

What happens if I decide not to upgrade the RTS meter?

If you have an RTS meter and choose not to install a replacement smart meter, you could end up with higher energy bills and potentially lose heating and hot water supply. Your hot water and heating can remain continually on or off and charge up at the wrong time of day. Due to the inaccurate measurement of what times of day energy is used, your supplier could bill you wrongly for peak and off-peak usage. Additionally, fewer suppliers will be able to provide quotes for RTS meters. To avoid complications, you should arrange with your current supplier to replace your RTS meter. 

What happens if I am unable to upgrade my RTS meter?

Some areas can't support smart meters due to weak mobile signals. If you are in this situation, your supplier will contact you to discuss your options. One of these options may be the installation of a type of smart meter that doesn't need to connect to the smart meter network. These types of smart meters are pre-set with the times for switching from off-peak tariffs to peak tariffs. 

How can Purely Energy help?

If you think you may be affected by the radio teleswitch service switch off and have any queries, or would like help lowering your energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk. Alternatively, get a quick quote.

This Article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.