MORE than 800,000 households will have their energy meters replaced before the network they use is switched off next summer.
Hundreds of thousands of customers with Economy 7 and other multi-rate energy tariffs use these meters, which charge users different rates depending on the time of day.
But these devices are operated through the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), which broadcasts a signal alongside the long-wave channel for BBC Radio 4.
This service is being turned off on June 30, 2025 after the deadline was extended following coverage by The Sun last year.
The switch off could lead to huge bill hikes for customers as they are no longer able to access cheaper energy rates.
Some homes, businesses and schools could even be left without heating or hot water.
Others may be unable to turn off their heating.
The only way to avoid facing these issues is for affected households to switch to a smart meter.
Customers who swap to a smart meter will still be able to access multi-rate energy tariffs including Economy 7.
What has been agreed?
Energy suppliers, Government and consumer groups have now pledged to work together to replace RTS meters before the switch off.
The ten energy companies who have signed up are: British Gas, EDF, E.On, Octopus, Ovo, Scottish Power, So Energy, SSE, Total Energies, Utilita and Utility Warehouse.
Industry regulator Ofgem, trade association Energy UK, Distribution Network Operators, Smart Energy GB, Government and consumer groups will also be involved.
Through their Call To Action the industry has pledged to:
- Focus their resources on regional “hot spots” where there are the most RTS customers
- Fast track RTS customers for meter upgrades
- Prioritise upgrades for customers who are known to be vulnerable
- Tackle any technical problems by sharing their knowledge and expertise
- Provide monthly updates on how many meters have been replaced
- Consider if further action is needed
The pledge will also speed up the rate at which RTS meters are replaced.
At the current pace it would take until 2028 for all of the RTS meters across the UK to be upgraded.
What does it mean for me?
Customers who have an RTS meter, or those who are not sure if they have one, should contact their energy supplier for advice.
The supplier should then be able to make an appointment for an engineer to visit their home and check.
How do I know if I have an RTS meter?
YOU’LL be able to tell if you have a meter that relies on the RTS quite easily.
The oldest RTS-powered meters have a switch box labelled “Radio Teleswitch” located next to the physical electricity meter.
Others may the RTS switch box included within the electricity meter as a single box on the wall.
If you’re unsure about the type of electricity meter in your home – call your supplier as they’ll usually have this information on hand.
Energy companies have been contacting customers about the switch off since 2023.
But under the new plans suppliers will contact all RTS customers by December 31, 2024 to let them know that RTS will be shut down.
Households will also be told why it is important that their service is upgraded and they will be offered an appointment to have their meter upgraded.
It usually takes around two hours for an RTS meter to be upgraded but some cases may need more than one visit by an engineer.
Many properties with RTS meters are in rural areas or on islands.
This is why the Call To Action is so important as the industry wants to make sure it contacts as many households as possible before the switch off.
What are the benefits of installing a smart meter?
Getting a smart meter does not cost anything as your supplier will install it for free.
Customers affected by the RTS switch off will also not be charged.
Smart meters send meter readings to your energy supplier automatically, which means you do not need to do this yourself.
They can make your bills more accurate too as they are based on readings from your actual usage, rather than estimates.
The devices can help to track how much energy you use at night, during the day and at peak times.
You will be given an in-home display, which connects to your meter and shows your energy usage and the cost in pounds and pence.
Customers with RTS electricity meters that swap to a smart meter will still be able to access flexible electricity tariffs if they opt for one.
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