The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) is an old system that helps some electricity meters switch between peak and off‑peak rates. It is now being phased out slowly across the UK as the technology is outdated and too difficult to maintain.
Who is affected
Only a small number of households are affected by this change. You are not affected if you have a gas meter, because RTS meters are only used in certain all‑electric homes.
You may be affected if:
- Your home uses electric heating or storage heaters
- You do not have a gas supply
- You are on a tariff such as Economy 7, Economy 10 or Total Heat Total Control
If you are affected, your energy supplier should already have contacted you directly.
How do I know if I have an RTS meter?
You might have an RTS meter if:
- You see a small box near your electricity meter labelled Radio Teleswitch
- You receive cheaper electricity at night
- Your heating or hot water warms up overnight
If you are unsure, the easiest way to check is to contact your electricity supplier, who can confirm this for you.
What you need to do
If your supplier has confirmed that you have an RTS meter, please contact them as soon as possible to arrange a free meter replacement. This will make sure your heating and hot water continue to work normally when the RTS signal is turned off in your area.
Why is this happening?
RTS technology was introduced in the 1980s and is now reaching the end of its life. The original plan was for a full switch‑off in June 2025, but this was changed due to delays in replacing meters and issues such as poor signal for smart meters in some areas. A slower, area‑by‑area phase‑out is now underway instead.
If you have any questions, please contact your energy supplier directly, as Great Places is not involved in the RTS phase‑out and is not responsible for this switch‑off.
