Radio teleswitch service explained

The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) is a legacy system that has been quietly working in the background for decades, using longwave radio signals to control multi-rate electricity meters in homes across Great Britain. It's essentially a broadcast signal telling your meter when to switch between different electricity rates, such as peak and off-peak. However, this outdated technology is being phased out, making a smart meter upgrade essential for affected households. This isn't just about compliance; it's an opportunity to move from a legacy system to one that offers greater control and potential for energy efficiency.

Once your current supplier has replaced your RTS meter with a smart meter, Fuse Energy can help you manage your energy with a digital-first approach. Click here to see how easy it is to switch once you're ready.

What is the radio teleswitch service?

RTS is a legacy system that uses a longwave radio signal to switch between peak and off-peak rates for multi-rate electricity meters¹. Introduced in the 1980s, it allowed energy suppliers to offer tariffs with varying prices throughout the day, automatically adjusting your meter to charge you differently depending on the time of day or night. This system enabled tariffs like Economy 7 or Economy 10, which offered cheaper electricity during off-peak hours, typically overnight.

Why the radio teleswitch service is ending

The RTS is an outdated technology. It relies on a longwave radio signal, which is no longer efficient or reliable for modern energy management. The energy industry is moving towards smart meter technology, which offers far greater flexibility, accuracy, and real-time data capabilities compared to the old RTS system. The phase-out is an industry-wide initiative, supported by the UK's energy regulator, Ofgem, to modernise the national energy infrastructure.

The radio teleswitch service switch-off date

The industry-wide phase-out of RTS officially began on 30 June 2025. This means that all RTS meters will eventually cease to function as intended, making their replacement with smart meters mandatory for affected customers.

Who is affected by the radio teleswitch service shutdown?

If you have an RTS meter, you are affected by this shutdown. This primarily includes households that are on multi-rate electricity tariffs, such as Economy 7 or Economy 10, where your electricity price changes at different times of the day. These tariffs rely on the RTS signal to switch between rates. Without the signal, your meter won't be able to accurately track your usage at different rates, potentially leading to incorrect billing or being moved to a more expensive default tariff. It could also mean your heating and hot water supply stops functioning as normal.

Your next steps: upgrading your radio teleswitch service meter

Upgrading your RTS meter is a straightforward process, and it's essential to act sooner rather than later to avoid any disruption to your energy tariffs or supply.

Identifying your radio teleswitch service meter

The first step is to confirm you have an RTS meter. Look at your electricity meter - you might see "RTS" or "Radio Teleswitch" printed on it. There may also be a separate switch box near your meter with a Radio Teleswitch label. Your energy bill or online account with your current supplier will also typically state your meter type. If you're unsure, a quick call to your current energy supplier can clarify this for you.

Contacting your current supplier for a free smart meter upgrade

Once you've confirmed you have an RTS meter, your next step is to contact your current energy supplier. They are responsible for providing and installing a smart meter upgrade free of charge. This replacement is mandatory, and your supplier will arrange an appointment for an engineer to visit your home and install the new meter.

What happens if you don't upgrade?

Delaying the upgrade could lead to several issues. Without an operational RTS, your meter may not be able to accurately record your energy consumption, particularly if you're on a multi-rate tariff. This could result in your supplier moving you to a standard, potentially more expensive, tariff. It may also mean that your heating and hot water supply stops functioning as normal. The replacement of RTS meters with smart meters is mandatory for affected customers, so it's best to arrange it promptly.

Beyond the switch-off: the benefits of a smart meter

While the smart meter upgrade is mandatory for RTS customers, it's not just about compliance. It's an opportunity to embrace modern energy management and unlock several benefits for your home.

Greater control and transparency over your energy usage

Smart meters provide real-time information about your energy consumption, often displayed on an in-home display. This means you can see exactly how much electricity you're using and what it's costing you, allowing you to make informed decisions about your energy habits. This transparency can help you identify energy-hungry appliances and find ways to reduce your usage, giving you greater control over your bills.

Access to flexible tariffs and potential savings

With a smart meter, you can access a wider range of modern, flexible tariffs that are not available with older meters. These can include time-of-use tariffs that offer cheaper electricity during off-peak hours, or even tariffs that reward you for using energy when the grid is greenest. This flexibility can lead to potential savings, especially if you can shift some of your energy consumption to cheaper times. Understanding your energy usage patterns can also help you choose the best tariff for your needs, similar to how you might compare electricity supply in Manchester for different providers.

Preparing your home for a modern energy future

Upgrading to a smart meter prepares your home for the future of energy. It's the foundation for integrating other smart home technologies, such as electric vehicle chargers or solar panels, and for participating in smart grid initiatives that can help balance supply and demand. This transition aligns with a vision of energy being invisible, seamless, and empowering, rather than a source of anxiety.

Fuse Energy: your modern energy choice after the upgrade

Fuse Energy cannot switch customers with RTS meters and does not install or upgrade these meters. The upgrade must be completed by your current supplier before you can switch to Fuse. Once your current supplier has replaced your RTS meter with a smart meter, Fuse Energy can help you truly benefit from your upgraded technology.

Seamless energy management with your new smart meter

With your new smart meter, Fuse Energy's digital-first approach and intuitive app can provide you with real-time usage insights and enhanced control over your energy. Our app makes it easy to track your consumption, understand your costs, and manage your account, all from your smartphone. This means less guesswork and more clarity about your energy usage.

Experience Fuse Energy's digital-first approach

We believe in making energy simple, transparent, and empowering. Our app is designed to give you all the information you need at your fingertips, without jargon or complexity. You'll get clear breakdowns of your usage and bills, and our 24/7 human customer support is always there if you need a hand. For those who might need extra assistance, understanding options like help with energy bills for disabled can be crucial.

Why Fuse is the right choice for your upgraded home

Once your smart meter is installed, Fuse Energy offers a modern energy experience that complements your new technology. We focus on providing transparent pricing and tools that help you manage your energy effectively, aligning with a future where energy is abundant and effortless. We give you permission to want more from your energy supplier, not less.

Frequently asked questions about the radio teleswitch service

What is RTS? The RTS is a legacy system that uses longwave radio signals to control multi-rate electricity meters, switching them between peak and off-peak tariffs.

Why is RTS being switched off? The RTS is an outdated technology being phased out as part of an industry-wide move to modernise the energy grid with smart meters.

When does RTS end? The industry-wide phase-out of the RTS officially began on 30 June 2025.

What do I need to do if I have an RTS meter? You need to contact your current energy supplier to arrange a free smart meter upgrade, as the replacement is mandatory.

Who pays for the smart meter upgrade? Your current energy supplier is responsible for providing and installing the smart meter upgrade free of charge.

What are the benefits of a smart meter? Smart meters offer real-time energy usage data, greater control over your consumption, access to flexible tariffs, and prepare your home for future energy technologies.

Preparing for the future of your home energy

The phase-out of RTS marks a significant step towards a more modern and efficient energy system. While the mandatory upgrade to a smart meter might seem like another task on your to-do list, it's genuinely an opportunity to gain greater control and transparency over your home's energy. By taking these simple steps, you're not just complying with a change; you're embracing a future where managing your energy is easier, more insightful, and ultimately, more empowering. Once your smart meter is installed, Fuse Energy is ready to help you make the most of it.

Managing your energy bills should be clear and easy to understand. Fuse Energy focuses on straightforward pricing, so you can see exactly what you're paying without unnecessary complexity. If you have a smart meter, you can view detailed usage data through the app or website, helping you understand how you can lower your bills. Our 24/7 human support team is always on hand with fast response times whenever you need help. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy in as little as 3 minutes. Find out about our mission by clicking here.

References

1. Ofgem. Replacing your Radio Teleswitch electricity meter