What is the Radio Teleswitch Service switch-off?

Why you need to replace your RTS meter urgently?

The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) signal switch-off has now started. This carefully managed process will take place in stages over the next few months. The RTS signal, which has been used for over 40 years to control certain electricity meters, is being switched off for small, localised groups.

If you have an RTS meter, please book your meter upgrade now. The phased shutdown means we can prioritise your upgrade before the shutdown in your area, so please look out and respond to any communications we send you.

Why is the RTS signal being switched off?

The RTS system was introduced decades ago to allow certain electricity meters to switch automatically between peak and off-peak rates. It was especially useful for customers using electric heating systems, such as storage heaters or immersion heaters, and for those on tariffs like Economy 7, Economy 10, or Total Heat Total Control.

However, the technology behind RTS has reached the end of its operational life with some of the components which support it no longer being manufactured, and the equipment can no longer be maintained.

The goal is to complete the transition as quickly and smoothly as possible, with minimal disruption to customers.

Will the RTS switch-off affect you?

There are a few telltale signs you can look out for:

Your property is heated using electricity or storage heaters
You have a separate switch box near your meter with a radio teleswitch label on it
There is no gas supply to your area (includes homes in rural areas and high-rise flats)
You currently benefit from cheaper electricity rates at different times of the day (you might be on an Economy 7, Economy 10 or Total Heat Total Control tariff).

Still unsure? Please get in touch with us via webchat, available from 7am-11pm every day or call us on 0345 270 0700, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. We’re here to help you avoid any disruption to your heating and hot water.

Where can you find out more about the RTS switch-off?

Find out more on Ofgem’s website and watch their explanatory video here.

How do I book a meter upgrade?

Please book your smart meter installation easily online here or call us on 0800 074 0058, Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm. Most RTS meter upgrades are straightforward and should only take around an hour.

We want to help you avoid any inconvenience so please book your meter upgrade as soon as possible.

Watch one of our customers have their meter upgraded

Frequently asked questions

When the switch off happens in your area, you could be left without heating or hot water or find your heating is constantly on. Your heating may charge up at the wrong time of the day and your electricity costs could be much higher than before, as we won’t be able to confirm how much electricity you’ve used during peak and off-peak times.

This is why you must act urgently to upgrade your RTS meter. Or if you think someone you know might have an RTS meter, please urge them to book a meter upgrade or contact us as soon as possible.

You’ll enjoy a similar service to your RTS meter and we can help find the right tariff for you. You’ll also benefit from:

Automatic meter readings, so there’s no need to manually submit them¹
The ability to monitor your energy use and see how much you’re spending
Seeing where you might save energy to help lower your bills
Access to a wider range of tariffs, including our time of use tariffs.

1

there may be times we are unable to communicate with your smart meter to take automatic meter readings and will need to rely on an estimate