If your elderly parent relies on electricity for heating and hot water, there’s an important change coming that could affect their bills and comfort. The Radio Teleswitch (RTS) service, which controls some older electricity meters, is being switched off on 30th June 2025. This affects around 535,000 properties across the UK.
To ensure your loved one doesn’t face unexpected energy costs or heating problems, here’s what you need to know and the actions you need to take.
What is an RTS Meter?
RTS meters use a radio signal to tell some older electricity meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates. This allows energy companies to offer different tariff rates, helping consumers benefit from cheaper electricity at certain times of the day.
You or your loved one may have an RTS meter if:
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There is an RTS label on the meter
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There’s a separate switchbox near the meter
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Heating and hot water are powered by electricity (with no gas supply)
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You’re on an Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariff
Most RTS meters will be upgraded to smart meters, which can continue to offer time-of-use tariffs.
What Happens When RTS is Switched Off?
If the meter isn’t upgraded in time, your loved one could face:
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Higher bills – Electric storage heaters may charge at the wrong time, using more expensive peak electricity
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Inaccurate pricing – The meter may not correctly register off-peak rates
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Heating disruptions – Storage heaters could be on constantly or stop working properly
What You Need to Do
1. Contact Your Energy Supplier Urgently
All energy suppliers should have already contacted affected customers. If your loved one has not received a letter, call their energy supplier as soon as possible to check if they have an RTS meter and arrange an upgrade.
2. Respond to Any Letters or Contact from the Supplier
If your loved one has received a letter about the RTS switch-off, they must reply and book their meter upgrade.
3. No Cost for Replacements
Replacing RTS meters is free in most cases. Be wary of scams – no one should charge for a standard RTS meter upgrade. If someone asks for payment, it’s a scam.
⚠️ Exceptions: In rare cases, if there are issues like an asbestos backboard, extra work may be needed, but support is available.
4. Special Support for Vulnerable Customers
Those on the Priority Services Register (PSR) should receive extra support to ensure a smooth transition. If your loved one is elderly, disabled, or vulnerable, make sure they are registered with their energy supplier’s PSR.
5. Landlords May Need to Give Permission
If your loved one rents their home, they or you may need to ask the landlord to approve the meter change. However, suppliers must work with tenants to ensure upgrades happen.
What If They Don’t Want a Smart Meter?
OFGEM has stated that suppliers must offer alternative solutions, but the exact options are unclear. If your loved one does not want a smart meter, ask their supplier what alternative metering options are available.
Final Reminder: Act Now
Energy suppliers are replacing around 250,000 RTS meters per month, but there’s still a risk of delays before the deadline. If your loved one relies on an RTS meter, take action now to ensure they continue to get fair energy prices and avoid heating disruptions.
For more details, watch this video with Lorraine Kelly
