If you have received a Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter warning, it means your electricity meter uses outdated technology that is being switched off. This article explains what an RTS meter is, why it's being phased out, and the straightforward steps you need to take to avoid disruption to your energy supply, heating, and billing. Acting now ensures a smooth transition to a modern smart meter.
Once your current energy supplier has replaced your legacy RTS meter with a smart meter, you'll be free to choose a modern energy provider like Fuse Energy. We offer a transparent, digital-first experience, backed by 24/7 human customer support, clear pricing, and in-app usage data.
If you're looking for a modern energy supplier after your RTS meter upgrade, Fuse Energy offers clear pricing and real-time usage data to help you manage your home's energy. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.
Many homes across Great Britain, particularly those with electric heating or multi-rate tariffs, rely on an RTS meter. While these meters have served their purpose for decades, the technology behind them is now being retired.
Understanding radio Teleswitch service (RTS)
An RTS meter is a type of electricity meter that uses a longwave radio signal to switch between different electricity rates, typically peak (more expensive) and Off-Peak (cheaper) periods. Introduced in the 1980s, this system allowed energy suppliers to manage multi-rate tariffs, such as Economy 7 or Economy 10, by remotely controlling when the meter recorded electricity at different rates. This was particularly useful for managing storage heaters and immersion heaters, which could be set to operate during cheaper, Off-Peak hours.
The industry-wide switch-off
RTS is an outdated system, and the signal is being switched off across the UK. The industry-wide phase-out of the RTS signal began on 30 June 2025. This transition is mandatory and affects all relevant energy suppliers and their customers with RTS meters. Ofgem, the UK's energy regulator, has published guidance for consumers regarding this replacement process.
It's crucial to determine if your home has an RTS meter so you can take the necessary steps. There are a couple of ways to check.
Visual cues and meter labels
RTS meters often have a distinct appearance. Look for a meter with a 'Radio Teleswitch' label, or one that prominently displays "RTS" or "Teleswitch". These meters are typically older, larger than modern smart meters, and might have a separate box or unit connected to them. They usually have multiple sets of readings for different tariff rates (e.g., 'Rate 1' and 'Rate 2' or 'Peak' and 'Off-Peak'). Some models may also have a small antenna or a visible radio receiver component.
Checking with your energy supplier
The most definitive way to confirm if you have an RTS meter is to contact your current energy supplier. They can check your meter type against their records. If you have received a warning letter or notification, it's a clear indication that they believe you have an RTS meter.
Ignoring an RTS meter warning can lead to significant problems for your home's energy supply and billing.
Potential impact on heating and hot water
Many RTS meters are linked to Off-Peak heating systems, such as storage heaters and immersion heaters, which are programmed to switch on during cheaper night-time hours. Once the RTS signal is switched off, these systems will no longer receive the command to operate at Off-Peak times. This could result in a loss of Off-Peak heating and hot water, or your heating running at peak rates, leading to much higher costs.
Risk of inaccurate billing
Without the RTS signal, your meter may not be able to correctly record your electricity consumption across different tariff rates. This can lead to inaccurate billing, where you might be charged incorrect amounts for your energy usage. In some cases, meters might default to a single, higher rate, or struggle to provide accurate readings at all, making it difficult to track your energy costs effectively.
The good news is that replacing your RTS meter with a smart meter is a straightforward process, and it won't cost you anything.
Contacting your current supplier
The first and most important step is to contact your current energy supplier. They are responsible for replacing your RTS meter. The replacement of an RTS meter with a smart meter by your current supplier is free of charge. Your supplier will arrange for an engineer to visit your property and install a new smart meter.
The smart meter installation process
Once you've contacted your supplier, they will schedule an appointment for a qualified engineer to install your new smart meter. The smart meter installation typically takes a couple of hours and should cause minimal disruption. The engineer will remove your old RTS meter and replace it with a new smart meter, which will then be connected to the national smart meter network.
Failing to replace your RTS meter before the 30 June 2025 deadline can have serious consequences.
Disruption to your energy supply
The primary risk is a disruption to your energy supply, particularly for appliances that rely on the RTS signal. Your Off-Peak heating and hot water systems may stop working as intended, leaving you without warmth or hot water.
