Energy suppliers and wider stakeholders have committed to working alongside each other to replace 800,000 Radio Teleswitch service (RTS) meters across the UK before the service is turned off this summer.
This agreement follows a summit, arranged by the UK’s energy regulator Ofgem, gathering suppliers and stakeholders including Energy UK and Citizens Advice to find a joint solution to the challenge of migrating businesses and households from ageing technology before the 30th June 2025 when the service will stop.
But what are Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters, who will these changes affect, what is the timescale for these changes, and will you need a new meter?
We will be discussing all the above and more in this piece.
What is the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS)?
The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) uses long wave radio signals to tell older electricity when to switch between peak and off-peak energy rates.
RTS is also used for some traditional multi-rate meters and was designed to support those who use electricity for their heating and hot water. The system allows suppliers to offer different tariff rates, so that customers can make use of cheaper off-peak prices to charge their heating and/or hot water systems overnight.
The RTS system was originally in the 1980s and is now approaching the end of its natural operation life as the equipment that produces the radio waves can no longer be adequately maintained.
Who will it affect and how do I know if I have a RTS meter?
It’s estimated that 800,000 household and businesses will be affected by the radio switch off.
To determine if you have a RTS meter, there are a few things you can look out for including:
- There may be a Radio Teleswitch label on your meter or on a separate switch box near your meter.
- Your property is heating using electricity or storage heaters
- There is no gas supply to your area, this includes properties in rural area or high-rise flats.
- You are on a multi-rate tariff where you get cheaper energy at different times of the day.
If your property meets one of the criteria above it is likely you have a RTS meter, however we would always recommend contacting your electricity supplier to confirm this.
When will the changes take place?
RTS is an industry wide service, and the swap has already begun with a deadline of June 30th 2025 being set as the date the service will end.
All electricity suppliers have already begun contacting those that will be affected to offer them a smart meter upgrade.
Will I be able to stay on the same tariff?
This will be on a case by case basis depending on who your electricity supplier is. If you have an RTS meter, when you supplier contacts you regarding a switch to a smart meter they will be able to inform you of the tariff options available to you. They should be able to offer a tariff suitable for the hot water and/or heating set up at your property.
What happens if I don’t upgrade to a smart meter?
If you decide against upgrading to a smart meter, you may find issues with your hot water and/or heating at your property. Issues such as heating and/or hot water may be continually left on or off, or charging up may happen at the wrong time of day. Following the end of the RTS, your electricity supplier will not be able to confirm how much electricity your property has consumed during peak or off-peak times, meaning you could see your electricity costs increase significantly compared to previously.
We would recommend upgrading to a smart meter, they will give you a similar service to your RTS meter, however the choice is your and you should discuss this with your energy supplier.
Please note: In some cases, your energy supplier may not be able to install your smart meter immediately. However, they will contact you to schedule an appointment as soon as availability opens up. Rest assured, this will be completed before the Radio Teleswitch Service is switched off, so you will not experience any disruption to your hot water and/or heating.
Benefits of smart meters
As previously mentioned, smart meters can be programmed to deliver a similar service to RTS, with some key benefits including:
- Accurate billing based on actual energy usage rather than estimates.
- Meter reads are automatically submitted to your supplier, removing the need for manual readings
- An in-house display to keep a closer eye on your energy usage and costs
- Potential insights to identify areas you may be able to save energy
- Access to ‘smart meter only’ tariffs
You can find out more information about smart meters and their benefits in our dedicated blog here.
Upgrading your RTS meter with Dyce Energy
If you are a Dyce Energy customer and you would like to find out if you have an RTS meter and if you are eligible for a smart meter upgrade, head over to our contact us page and one of the team will be in touch shortly to discuss your options.
For further information around RTS and the switch off please use the link below:
Citizens Advice: citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/your-energy-meter
