RTS meter warning: what you need to know

If you have received a warning about your Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter, it means your home's energy setup requires an essential update. The technology behind these older meters is being phased out across Great Britain, making a mandatory replacement necessary to avoid disruption to your energy supply and tariffs. This guide explains what an RTS meter warning signifies, why these changes are happening, and the straightforward steps you need to take for a smooth transition to a modern energy experience.

Once your RTS meter is replaced with a smart meter, you will be ready to explore modern energy options. Fuse Energy offers a digital-first experience, putting you in control of your usage and bills. Click here to see how easy it is to switch.

Understanding your RTS meter

What is a radio teleswitch service (RTS) meter?

A RTS meter is a type of electricity meter that uses longwave radio signals 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 legacy meters often controlled when heating and hot water systems turned on and off automatically.

How to identify if you have an RTS meter

Identifying an RTS meter is crucial. You might have one if your home relies on electric heating or storage heaters, or if you are on a multi-rate tariff like Economy 7 or Economy 10. Look for a separate box near your main electricity meter that might be labelled "Radio Teleswitch" or "Radio Telemeter". These meters often appear as older, black boxes. If you are still unsure, your current energy supplier can confirm whether your meter is an RTS type.

Why the RTS is being switched off

The industry-wide phase-out

The technology underpinning the RTS system is outdated and has reached the end of its operational life.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. This process began on 30 June 2025, and it is a mandatory upgrade to prevent potential disruptions to your energy supply and billing. Ofgem, the energy regulator, oversees this initiative and has stated that energy suppliers have a regulatory obligation to replace these meters with smart meters.

Potential impacts of not upgrading

Failure to replace an RTS meter could lead to significant issues once the signal is switched off. Your meter will no longer be able to accurately switch between peak and off-peak rates, potentially resulting in inaccurate billing. Crucially, you could lose access to your cheaper off-peak electricity rates, which might lead to significantly higher energy bills if your heating or hot water systems continue to operate during what were previously off-peak times. Your heating and hot water systems, if controlled by the RTS meter, might also be affected, potentially becoming stuck on or off, or charging at the wrong times. Furthermore, you cannot switch to a new energy supplier while you still have an RTS meter, as it is considered an unsupported meter type.

Your action plan for an RTS meter warning

Contacting your current energy supplier

If you have received an RTS meter warning, or suspect you have one, your first step is to contact your current energy supplier immediately. They are legally responsible for replacing your RTS meter and will confirm if you have one, guiding you through the upgrade process. It is important to respond promptly to their communications to ensure a smooth transition.

The free smart meter replacement process

The upgrade to a smart meter is provided free of charge by your current energy supplier. This is a mandatory upgrade, and your supplier is obligated to provide and install it. When your supplier contacts you, they will offer to schedule an appointment for the smart meter installation. It is advisable to book this appointment as soon as possible to avoid any potential disruption to your energy supply. The installation process is typically straightforward and carried out by a certified engineer.

Benefits of upgrading to a smart meter

Gaining control over your energy

Upgrading to a smart meter offers several advantages. Smart meters enable automated readings, ensuring accurate billing and eliminating the need for manual meter readings. They also provide you with greater insight into your energy usage, often through an in-home display, allowing you to track your consumption and identify opportunities to manage it more effectively. This enhanced visibility empowers you to make informed decisions about your energy use.

Preparing for future energy innovations

Smart meters are a foundational step towards a more modern, digital energy infrastructure. They prepare your home for future energy innovations, such as access to a wider range of tariffs that can reward you for using electricity when it is cheaper and greener. This move from an outdated, scarcity-driven system to a modern one gives you more control and transparency over your energy usage, positioning your home to benefit from a future with more flexible and efficient energy management.

Your energy future after the upgrade

Exploring new tariffs and suppliers

Once your RTS meter has been replaced with a smart meter, you will be able to explore a broader range of energy tariffs and suppliers. Smart meters open up opportunities for tariffs designed to work with modern technology, potentially offering more competitive rates or options tailored to your usage patterns. This upgrade means you are no longer limited by outdated metering technology and can actively seek out the best energy deal for your household.

Making a power play with modern energy

With a smart meter installed, you are ready to make a real power play with your home energy. You can fully benefit from digital-first energy providers who offer greater insight and control over your energy use. Fuse Energy, for example, offers a modern, digital-first experience that puts you in control of your usage and bills. While Fuse Energy cannot directly replace RTS meters, once your current supplier has completed your free smart meter upgrade, you can switch to Fuse to unlock the full potential of your new smart meter and manage your energy with unparalleled transparency and ease.

Once your home is equipped with a smart meter, you are ready to embrace a more efficient and transparent energy experience. Fuse Energy offers clear pricing, real-time usage data through our app, and 24/7 human customer support, making it simple to manage your energy. Switching to Fuse is quick and easy, allowing you to take control of your bills and contribute to a greener energy future. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. Learn more about our mission to transform energy for everyone by clicking here.