RTS meter warning: what to do next

If you have received a warning about your Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter, it means your energy setup needs an update. These meters are part of an outdated system being phased out across the UK, prompting a mandatory replacement process. This guide explains what an RTS meter warning means for your household, why these changes are happening, and the straightforward steps you need to take to ensure a smooth transition to a modern energy experience. Your current supplier will replace your old RTS meter for free - it is a necessary upgrade. But what comes next? Once you have a modern smart meter, Fuse Energy offers a truly intuitive, digital-first energy experience designed to put you in control.

Managing your energy bills should be clear and easy to understand. If you are preparing for a smart meter upgrade, you are already taking a step towards greater control. Click here to see how Fuse Energy can offer a modern energy experience once your new meter is installed.

What is an RTS meter and why the warning?

RTS meters have been a feature in many UK homes for decades, particularly for those on multi-rate electricity tariffs. However, the system they rely on is now obsolete.

Understanding the radio teleswitch service

A RTS meter uses a longwave radio signal to automatically switch between different electricity tariff rates, such as peak and off-peak periods. This system was particularly beneficial for households with electric heating or hot water systems, like Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariffs, allowing them to charge during cheaper, off-peak hours. These meters often controlled when heating and hot water systems turned on and off.

The industry-wide phase-out explained

The technology underpinning the RTS system is outdated and has reached the end of its operational life. As a result, the longwave radio signal that controls these meters is being switched off in an industry-wide phase-out that began on 30 June 2025. This process is managed in phases, meaning different areas and meters are being affected at different times. Ofgem, the energy regulator for Great Britain, oversees this transition to ensure a smooth process for consumers. Energy suppliers are mandated to replace RTS meters with smart meters to ensure continued service and access to modern tariffs.

Identifying an RTS meter

You might have an RTS meter if you have electric heating, are on a multi-rate tariff (like Economy 7 or Economy 10), or have a separate box near your electricity meter labelled "Radio Teleswitch" or "Radio Telemeter". These often appear as a black box, sometimes with a separate teleswitch unit next to your main electricity meter. If you are still uncertain, your energy supplier can confirm whether your meter is an RTS type.

What an RTS meter warning means for you

Receiving an RTS meter warning indicates that your current energy meter will soon cease to function as intended, necessitating a replacement. This is a mandatory upgrade to prevent potential disruptions to your energy supply and billing.

Potential loss of off-peak tariffs

Once the RTS signal is switched off, your meter will no longer be able to accurately switch between peak and off-peak rates. This could lead to inaccurate billing, as your supplier might struggle to determine your usage during different tariff periods. Crucially, you could lose access to your cheaper off-peak electricity rates, potentially resulting in significantly higher energy bills if your heating or hot water systems continue to operate during what were previously off-peak times.

Risk of supply disruption

If you do not replace your RTS meter, it will eventually stop working correctly once the RTS signal is switched off. This could mean your heating and hot water systems, if controlled by the RTS meter, might become stuck on or off, or charge at the wrong times. Without an appropriate meter replacement, some affected homes could be left without heating and hot water.

The mandatory replacement requirement

The technology behind RTS meters is being phased out, prompting a mandatory replacement process. Your energy supplier is responsible for replacing your RTS meter, typically with a smart meter, at no cost to you. This ensures you maintain accurate tariff management and reliable energy controls.

Your step-by-step guide to RTS meter replacement

The process for replacing your RTS meter is straightforward and handled by your current energy supplier.

Contacting your current energy supplier

If you have an RTS meter, your electricity supplier should have already contacted you to arrange an upgrade to a smart meter. If they have not, or if you are unsure, contact them as soon as possible to confirm the need for replacement and arrange an appointment. They are obliged to replace your meter to ensure no disruption to your electricity supply.

Arranging your free smart meter installation

Your energy supplier must upgrade you to a smart meter for free. You will not be asked to pay for the installation when booking. This replacement is typically with a smart meter, which supports similar tariffs and remote readings.

Preparing for your smart meter upgrade

Most RTS meter replacements are straightforward and typically take around two hours to complete. Ensure your supplier has your up-to-date contact details. They will arrange an appointment for you to have it replaced.

Life after your RTS meter upgrade

Upgrading to a smart meter offers several benefits and changes how you manage your energy.

Understanding your new smart meter

A smart meter will provide a similar service to your RTS meter, allowing for peak and off-peak rates. Additionally, smart meters offer other advantages, including automatic submission of electricity readings, access to 'smart meter only' tariffs, the ability to monitor your energy usage, and accurate bills based on your actual consumption, not estimates. You will typically receive an in-home display that shows your energy usage in pounds and pence. For more details on how these devices work, you might find our guide on smart meter installation helpful.

Navigating new tariffs and energy management

After your RTS meter is replaced, customers will typically be moved to a smart meter compatible tariff. Your supplier should offer you a suitable tariff that reflects your usage patterns, especially if you were on an Economy 7 or similar multi-rate tariff. While Economy 7 tariffs can still be accessed with a smart meter, the specific off-peak times may vary. Your supplier should tell you what your tariff options are before the new meter is installed. You can learn more about these options in our article explaining Economy 7 tariffs.

Benefits of a modern energy experience

Moving to a smart meter opens up new possibilities for managing your energy. You gain greater visibility and control over your energy costs, and the ability to pair smart meters with other technologies like solar PV and home battery storage. This shift from outdated infrastructure to a modern, digital-first energy experience aligns with a future-proof energy system.

Choosing your energy future with a smart meter

The mandatory upgrade from an RTS meter to a smart meter is more than just a replacement; it is an opportunity to modernise your energy management.

Why a smart meter opens new possibilities

Smart meters are the new generation of energy meters, installed as part of a national government programme to replace older meters. They provide near real-time information on your energy use, helping you understand and manage your consumption more effectively. This enhanced control can lead to more accurate billing and the potential to access tariffs designed to reward flexible energy use.

Embracing digital-first energy with confidence

For those concerned about new technology, modern energy suppliers are designing intuitive experiences. Once your smart meter is installed, you can benefit from clear control and visibility over your energy usage through user-friendly apps. This digital-first approach does not mean a lack of support; many suppliers offer continuous human assistance to help you navigate new tools. Ofgem has also introduced new rules to ensure consumers receive compensation if smart meter installations or operations fail under certain conditions.

The Fuse Energy difference for smart meter users

Once your RTS meter has been replaced with a smart meter, Fuse Energy offers a truly intuitive, digital-first energy experience designed to put you in control. Fuse's vision is to provide a future with "power to play with", where energy is so abundant it stops being a constant worry. We combine the latest smart meter technology with 24/7 human customer support and an easy-to-use app, giving you the 'power to play with' your energy without the hassle or confusion. Fuse Energy does not install or replace RTS meters; this mandatory upgrade is handled by your current supplier. Fuse is the ideal choice for a modern energy experience after your smart meter upgrade is complete.

Ready to take control of your energy with a modern, digital-first supplier? Once your smart meter is installed, switching to Fuse Energy is quick and easy. We offer clear pricing, real-time usage data, and 24/7 human customer support to help you make the most of your new smart meter. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. To learn more about our mission to make energy abundant, click here.