There is a big change happening regarding Radio Teleswitch (RTS) electricity meters that will affect domestic and business properties, so it is important to know what is happening, when it is happening and what you should do next.
Firstly, what is an RTS meter?
This type of electricity meter relies on a specific radio frequency to work, and is an outdated system that was brought in to manage older, more complex meters. It allowed consumers to switch between on and off-peak rates, such as Economy 7 and Economy 10. This type of meter is responsible for controlling heating and hot water.
Why is this happening?
RTS was first introduced in the late 1980s, and there are currently 600,000* RTS meters still in use across the country. This technology is outdated when compared to newer, more advanced meters – such as smart meters – and energy suppliers will no longer be servicing them or installing them as a result.
What is RTS (Radio Teleswitch) switch off?
The technology that supports RTS electricity meters will switched off from 30th June 2025. This means that the meter will not have the technology behind it to enable it to switch between peak and off-peak rates. This could cause them to no longer work properly, and your heating and hot water could stop functioning as they normally would, whilst also putting you at the risk of having higher energy bills.
How can I check whether I have a RTS meter in my premises?
Here is an image of what an RTS meter might look like:
Image from Money Saving Expert
You might have an RTS meter if:
You have a separate switch box near your meter with a ‘Radio Teleswitch’ label on it
Your premises is heated using electricity
You have electric storage and water heaters
You get cheaper energy at different times of the day. If you have a peak and off-peak rate for electricity, you could be on an Economy 7, Economy 10 or Total Heat Total Control tariff
What do I need to do now?
If you do have an RTS meter, you will need to have it replaced so that you don’t lose important functions, such as your hot water or heating. When the technology is switched off, these functions could be left either constantly on or off – depending on your meter type – resulting in them not working or you facing the possibility of higher bills.
Contact your electricity supplier now about getting a new meter installed
Suppliers have been reaching out to consumers who have a RTS meter, however, if you have not been contacted, you must reach out to your supplier immediately to discuss getting a new meter installed.
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