RTS meter phase-out explained

The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) is being switched off for good. If you have an RTS meter, your current energy supplier must replace it with a smart meter, free of charge. This mandatory industry-wide phase-out began on 30 June 2025, ensuring continued accurate billing and access to modern tariffs. Once your upgrade is complete, you will be ready to explore modern energy management with providers like Fuse Energy, offering clear pricing and real-time usage data.

The RTS meter phase-out is happening, and upgrading to a smart meter is key to modern energy management. Once your current supplier has replaced your RTS meter, you can switch to Fuse Energy for clear pricing and real-time usage data. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.

What is an RTS meter?

An RTS meter is a type of electricity meter that uses a longwave radio signal to switch between different electricity rates, typically peak and off-peak. This allowed households to benefit from cheaper electricity during certain hours, often overnight, for appliances like storage heaters or immersion tanks.

How the Radio Teleswitch Service works

RTS relies on a dedicated longwave radio signal to send commands to these meters. These commands tell the meter when to switch from a standard rate to an off-peak rate, or vice versa, based on the time of day. This system was particularly useful for households on tariffs designed for electric storage heating or immersion heaters, which could charge up during cheaper, off-peak periods.

Identifying an RTS meter

While identifying an RTS meter can sometimes be tricky due to their varied appearance, there are common indicators. You might see "RTS" or "Radio Teleswitch" printed on the front, or multiple display registers (often labelled 'Rate 1', 'Rate 2', etc.) indicating different tariff rates. Some may even have a visible antenna or a small box attached, or a clock display. Your electricity bill might also mention tariffs like "Economy 7", "Economy 10", "Warmwise", or "Comfort Plus", which often used RTS meters. However, the most definitive way to confirm if you have an RTS meter is to contact your energy supplier directly.

Why are RTS meters being phased out?

RTS meters are being phased out because the technology they rely on is outdated and no longer supported. The longwave radio signal used to operate these meters is being switched off, making them obsolete.

The end of a legacy system

RTS technology is a legacy system that has become outdated and unreliable. Modern smart meters offer a more efficient and flexible way to manage different electricity rates and provide accurate billing. The phase-out is a necessary step to modernise the UK's energy infrastructure.

Mandatory replacement and the 30 June 2025 deadline

The phase-out of RTS meters is a mandatory, industry-wide initiative regulated by Ofgem1. This means all RTS meters must be replaced. The process began on 30 June 2025. Delaying the replacement could lead to inaccurate billing or the loss of your off-peak electricity rates as the old system becomes inoperable. Your current energy supplier is responsible for arranging the replacement.

What to do if you have an RTS meter

If you have an RTS meter, taking action now is crucial to ensure a smooth transition and avoid potential disruptions to your energy supply.

Contacting your current supplier

Your first step should be to contact your current energy supplier. They are responsible for replacing your RTS meter with a smart meter. They will be able to confirm if you have an RTS meter and schedule an appointment for the upgrade. It is important to respond to any communications from your supplier regarding this replacement.

The free smart meter upgrade

The replacement of your RTS meter with a smart meter is free of charge. Your current energy supplier is obligated to carry out this upgrade at no cost to you. This ensures that all households can transition to modern metering technology without financial burden.

Understanding your rights and obligations

As a homeowner, you have the right to a free smart meter upgrade to replace your RTS meter. You are also obligated to cooperate with your supplier to facilitate this replacement. Cooperating with your supplier for this upgrade is essential, as the RTS system will cease to function, impacting your energy supply and billing. Ofgem provides authoritative information on replacing Radio Teleswitch electricity meters, outlining your rights and what to expect.

Impact on tariffs and energy management

The transition from an RTS meter to a smart meter will affect your energy tariffs and open up new opportunities for managing your energy usage.

Transitioning from legacy tariffs

RTS meters were often linked to specific dual-rate tariffs, such as Economy 7 or Economy 10, which offered cheaper electricity during off-peak hours. Once your RTS meter is replaced with a smart meter, these legacy tariffs will no longer be available. Your supplier will move you to a new tariff. Dual-rate tariffs typically require either a smart meter or a multi-register (dual-rate) non-smart meter. You should discuss new tariff options with your supplier to find one that suits your energy consumption patterns.

New opportunities with smart meters

Smart meters unlock a range of benefits that were not possible with RTS technology. They provide accurate, real-time data on your energy usage, which can be viewed via an in-home display or through your energy supplier's app. This visibility allows you to understand exactly how much energy you are using and when, empowering you to make informed decisions about your consumption. Many smart meter tariffs offer flexible pricing, allowing you to take advantage of cheaper electricity when demand is low or when renewable generation is high.

Embracing modern energy with Fuse Energy

Once your RTS meter has been replaced with a smart meter by your current supplier, you will be ready to move beyond outdated systems and embrace modern energy management. Fuse Energy is the ideal partner for this next step.

Digital control and real-time data

Fuse Energy puts the power of energy management in your hands. Our app provides digital control and real-time data, allowing you to monitor your electricity usage with precision. This clarity helps you understand your consumption habits, identify opportunities for savings, and make your energy work smarter for you. It is about having the capability to manage your energy, not just consume it.

Seamless switching post-upgrade

After your smart meter is installed, switching to Fuse Energy is straightforward and seamless. We believe in making energy simple, transparent, and easy to control. We do not install or upgrade RTS meters ourselves; this is handled by your current supplier. Once that is done, you can switch to Fuse and experience a digital-first approach to your energy supply. We are the modern, future-ready energy partner for homeowners who have upgraded from legacy RTS technology.

24/7 support for your smart home

With Fuse Energy, you are never alone. We offer 24/7 human customer support, ensuring that help is always available when you need it. As you transition to a smarter way of managing your home's energy, we are here to provide the support and guidance that makes your experience as smooth and empowering as possible. It is a power play: choosing Fuse shifts the balance of power into your hands.

Ready to take control of your energy with a modern, digital-first supplier? Fuse Energy offers clear pricing, real-time usage data, and 24/7 human customer support to help you make the most of your smart meter. Switching is quick and easy, so you can start enjoying a smarter energy experience today. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy.

References

1. Ofgem. Replacing your Radio Teleswitch electricity meter