According to Ofgem, as of 30 May 2025, 314,935homes across the UK are fitted with a type of electricity meter called a Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter. These older meters were typically fitted in the 1980s and at that time were a great innovation, helping people manage off-peak tariffs like Economy 7 and Economy 10. But at the end of June 2025, the service that powers them began a phased, permanent, switch off.
If you have an RTS meter it will need to be replaced to prevent any future issues with your heating and hot water or bills.
This guide explains what RTS meters are, why they’re being switched off, how to check if you have one, and most importantly, what you need to do now.
What Is an RTS Meter?
RTS stands for Radio Teleswitch Service, a signal-based system, introduced in the 1980s, that let energy suppliers control when your meter switched between peak and off-peak rates. This helped people with storage heaters, immersion tanks, or other electric heating systems take advantage of cheaper electricity.
Rather than relying on timers in each individual home, RTS meters received a national radio signal that told them when to switch over, often giving cheaper overnight electricity rates.
But the technology powering that system is now out-of-date, and the national radio signal it depends on is being shut down.
Types of RTS Meter
There are several different types of RTS meter in use across the UK, and not all are being switched off at the same time. A phased RTS shutdown began on 30 June 2025, with different “groups” of meters set to lose signal at different points over the following months.
The exact timing of when your meter will stop responding depends on its configuration and group ID, something only your energy provider can confirm. This means you could be affected earlier or later than neighbours in the same street.
Energy suppliers are expected to:
- Contact all affected customers with at least two weeks’ notice
- Prioritise vulnerable customers for early upgrades
- Complete most replacements by the end of 2025
If your meter is part of an early switch-off group and hasn’t been upgraded yet, you may notice problems such as:
- Heating or hot water switching on or off at the wrong time
- Loss of access to cheaper off-peak rates
- Unexpected changes to your tariff or billing cycle
Why Are RTS Meters Being Switched Off?
The RTS system relies on a national long wave radio signal to switch meters between peak and off-peak rates, a system that has worked reliably for decades. However, the underlying broadcast infrastructure is now ageing.
The BBC has confirmed plans to end long wave radio services by March 2026, and Arqiva, the operator of the UK’s long wave transmitters, is in the process of decommissioning the technology. This means the RTS service can no longer be supported, making the switch-off unavoidable, and not just an energy industry decision (source: gov.uk)
Switching from RTS to smart meters supports the UK’s wider energy goals:
- Better visibility of national energy demand
- Easier tariff switching
- A more flexible and resilient energy system
- Progress towards Net Zero
Could I Have an RTS Meter?
If you’ve never looked closely at your electricity meter, you’re not alone. But now is the time to check, especially if you’re on Economy 7 or other dual-rate tariff.
RTS meters come in different models, but they share some tell-tale signs. You might have an RTS meter if:
- You’re on a tariff where electricity is cheaper at night (like Economy 7 or Economy 10)
- You have electric heating, an immersion tank, or storage heaters
- You see two separate electricity readings on your bill — one for day, one for night
- There’s a box near your meter labelled Radio Teleswitch
- Your supplier has contacted you about replacing your meter
- Your heating or hot water is stuck on, or off
Not sure? Just ask your energy supplier: “Is my electricity meter affected by the RTS switch off?”
Even if you don’t have electric heating, you may still have an RTS meter. Some were installed in homes with electric showers, towel rails, or immersion heaters, in rural areas, or high-rise flats with no mains gas supply.
What Happens If You Don’t Replace It?
You won’t wake up in the dark, but you might be out of pocket. Here’s what’s may happen in a home with outdated RTS meters:
- Heating and hot water not coming on or going off when they should or stuck continuously on or off.
- You’ve stopped getting the cheaper overnight rate you were used to
- You’ve been moved to a more expensive flat-rate tariff
- You’re unable to switch suppliers without a new meter
- Bills have changed dramatically, with no clear reason
In some cases, people may attempt to override or tamper with their old RTS meters to try and regain control. That can be incredibly dangerous, and could lead to electric shocks, fire, or prosecution.
What You Need to Do Now
The good news is that you don’t need to figure this out alone. Your electricity supplier is responsible for replacing your meter, and it shouldn’t cost you anything. According to the Energy Saving Trust, and information shared by the government, homes affected will be contacted by their supplier and offered a smart meter upgrade at no cost.
Here’s how to get started:
- Contact your energy supplier and ask about your meter.
- Book a free smart meter upgrade - they’ll arrange a suitable time.
- Discuss any vulnerabilities. If you’re disabled, elderly, or have complex needs, tell them. There are protections in place.
- If you rent, contact your landlord. The meter belongs to the energy supplier, but access may need to be arranged through the property owner or housing association.
It’s worth acting sooner rather than later. Whilst the phased switch off is just starting , RTS meters will stop working as the radio signal is shut down, and it’s better to upgrade before you lose access to cheaper rates or have your schedule disrupted.
Read our Smart Meter Upgrade Guide
Why Energy Theft Is a Risk
When systems break or prices rise, some people take risks. But tampering with your meter, even just to get it working again, can cause far more harm than good.
Attempts to manually override or reconnect deactivated meters can lead to:
- Electrical fires
- Electrocution, Serious injury or death
- Legal prosecution
- Loss of insurance
- Eviction by landlord