Radio Teleswitch System meters, usually known as RTS meters, are due to be switched off on 30 June 2025. This poses a challenge, as energy companies need to replace them with smart meters before the old technology is switched off.
Who is affected
Most homes have standard meters. Regardless of whether they have a smart meter, they will not be affected; however, it is thought that more than 300,000 homes currently have the old RTS meters. Whatever type of meter you have, it is worth keeping it well protected by using an appropriate electric meter box from a company such as meterbox.co.uk/electric-meter-boxes.
What will happen?
RTS meters have been used since the 1980s, using a longwave radio frequency to switch between off-peak and peak rates. This technology is becoming obsolete and will be switched off on 30 June 2025. It is believed that 1,000 RTS meters are being replaced each day; however, with 300,000 homes to get through before 30 June, this number falls well short of what is needed. If any homes still have the old RTS meters after the switch-off, they may lose their heating or have it on constantly with no ability to switch it off.
Do you have an RTS meter?
If you are not sure what type of meter you have, there are ways to find out. If you have an RTS meter, your home will usually have a separate switch box near the meter with ‘Radio Teleswitch’ on it. They are also often found in areas with no gas supply, with your home heated by electricity or storage heaters. If you are on an RTs meter, you may have cheaper energy at different times of day, such as an Economy 7 tariff.
If you think you have an RTS meter and have not yet been contacted, you should check with your supplier to find out whether it is necessary. It is the responsibility of your supplier to carry out the replacement, so beware of scammers offering to do this for a fee.
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