RTS meter: your free smart meter upgrade

If you have an older electricity meter that automatically switches between peak and off-peak rates, you likely have a Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter. This legacy technology is being phased out across the UK, with the national switch-off commencing on 30 June 2025. This makes its replacement with a smart meter mandatory and free of charge. This guide explains what an RTS meter is, why it is being decommissioned, and the straightforward process for upgrading to a modern smart meter.

Upgrading your RTS meter to a smart meter is a step towards a more efficient and modern energy experience. Once your new smart meter is installed, you'll be ready to explore digital-first energy suppliers. Click here to see how easy it is to switch to Fuse Energy.

What is an RTS meter?

An RTS meter is a type of electricity meter that uses longwave radio signals to control when your electricity tariff switches between different rates, typically peak and off-peak. This system was designed to manage demand on the electricity grid by encouraging consumers to use power during off-peak hours, often associated with tariffs like Economy 7.

Identifying an RTS meter

You can often identify an RTS meter by looking for a label on the meter itself that says "teleswitch" or "radio teleswitch". These meters are typically older, electromechanical devices, sometimes with a separate box connected to them that houses the radio receiver. They might also have multiple display registers for different tariff rates.

How radio teleswitching works

RTS operates by receiving a longwave radio signal, which tells the meter when to switch between different electricity rates. This signal controls the meter's internal clock, ensuring that the correct tariff is applied at specific times of the day. This allowed for tariffs like Economy 7, where electricity was cheaper during off-peak hours.

Why are RTS meters being phased out?

The national switch-off of RTS commenced on 30 June 2025, making the replacement of these meters with smart meters mandatory. This phase-out is driven by several factors, including the ageing infrastructure of the RTS system and the broader move towards a modern, digitalised energy grid.

The national switch-off

The RTS system relies on longwave radio signals, a technology that is becoming obsolete and increasingly difficult to maintain. The national switch-off date of 30 June 2025 marks the point from which these signals will no longer be transmitted, meaning RTS meters will cease to function correctly. This could lead to incorrect billing or the loss of multi-rate tariffs if not replaced.

Benefits of modern smart meters

Smart meters offer significant advantages over traditional RTS meters. They automatically send meter readings to your supplier, eliminating the need for manual submissions and ensuring accurate billing. They also provide real-time energy usage data, allowing you to monitor and manage your consumption more effectively. This enhanced control and insight can help you make informed decisions about your energy use and potentially reduce your bills. Smart meters also enable access to a wider range of modern tariffs, including those with dynamic pricing based on grid demand, and may in the future include options for electric vehicle charging.

What to do if you have an RTS meter

If you suspect you have an RTS meter, the most crucial step is to contact your current energy supplier. They are responsible for arranging your meter replacement.

Contacting your current supplier

Your energy supplier is the first point of contact for an RTS meter replacement. They will confirm if you have an RTS meter and guide you through the process of upgrading to a smart meter. It is important to act promptly to ensure a smooth transition before the national switch-off.

The free smart meter upgrade process

Your current energy supplier is responsible for replacing your RTS meter with a smart meter, free of charge. This is a mandatory upgrade, and your supplier is obligated to provide and install it. The installation process is typically straightforward and carried out by a certified engineer. Once installed, the smart meter will begin communicating with your supplier, providing accurate readings and enabling access to modern tariffs.

Your tariffs and the smart meter transition

The transition from an RTS meter to a smart meter has implications for your energy tariffs, particularly if you are on a multi-rate tariff like Economy 7.

Multi-rate tariffs

RTS meters were primarily used for multi-rate tariffs, such as Economy 7, which offer different prices for electricity at different times of the day. Once your RTS meter is replaced with a smart meter, you will be able to continue on a multi-rate tariff, or explore new options. Smart meters are fully compatible with multi-rate tariffs and can accurately record peak and off-peak usage. Dual-rate tariffs require either a smart meter or a multi-register (dual-rate) dumb meter.

Exploring new energy options

With a smart meter installed, you gain access to a broader range of modern energy tariffs. These can include time-of-use tariffs that reward you for shifting consumption to off-peak hours, and may in the future include options for electric vehicle charging. A smart meter opens up opportunities for more dynamic and potentially cheaper energy plans.

Moving forward with a smart meter

Upgrading to a smart meter is not just about replacing old technology; it is about embracing a more efficient and flexible energy future.

Enhanced control and insights

Smart meters provide granular data on your energy consumption, often accessible through an in-home display or your supplier's online portal. This level of detail allows you to understand exactly how and when you are using electricity, empowering you to make adjustments that can lead to savings. You can identify energy-hungry appliances and optimise your usage patterns.

Choosing a digital-first energy supplier

Once your smart meter is fully operational, you will be in a prime position to choose a modern, digital-first energy supplier. Fuse Energy, for example, offers a digital-first experience with app-based control, perfectly suited for new meter technology. This allows you to take full advantage of your smart meter's capabilities, with transparent billing and real-time insights at your fingertips.

After your RTS meter has been replaced with a smart meter, you will be able to switch to a modern energy supplier. Fuse Energy offers clear pricing, real-time usage data through our app, and dedicated customer support to help you manage your energy effectively. Switching is quick and easy, putting you in control of your energy bills. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. You can also learn more about our mission to make energy simpler and fairer by clicking here.