Over 300,000 UK households could lose access to heating or hot water this summer as outdated Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters are set to be switched off permanently on June 30, 2025.
With energy price rises continuing to squeeze household budgets, the pressure is mounting on families to upgrade to smart meters – the only compatible replacement – before the deadline hits.
Energy regulators and suppliers are urging urgent action to avoid widespread disruption.
What Is the Radio Teleswitch Service?
The Radio Teleswitch Service is a system that allows energy suppliers to switch customers between peak and off-peak electricity rates using radio signals.
This service has been instrumental for households using electric storage heaters, panel heaters, or immersion heaters, enabling them to benefit from cheaper electricity during off-peak hours.
However, the technology is now outdated, and the equipment supporting it can no longer be adequately maintained, prompting its scheduled shutdown on 30 June 2025.
🚨 The RTS signal will be switched off from 30 June 2025. This means everyone with an RTS electricity meter needs to have a new one installed. If your energy supplier contacts you, act now. Find out if you have an RTS meter and get support here: https://t.co/OqD5cvFnUX pic.twitter.com/wB0gxDHqRYApril 25, 2025
Bring your dream home to life with expert advice, how to guides and design inspiration. Sign up for our newsletter and get two free tickets to a Homebuilding & Renovating Show near you.
Smart meters are the only technical replacement for RTS meters, as they can be programmed to deliver a similar service. They offer real-time energy usage data, eliminate the need for manual readings, and provide access to a wider range of tariffs.
Charlotte Friel, director for retail pricing & systems at Ofgem, emphasised the importance of the transition: “One of the key functions of the RTS Taskforce is identifying hotspot areas that need more targeted resources to accelerate the upgrade programme. So it is pleasing to see E.ON Next and other energy suppliers pushing to drive up the replacement rate in Leicester.
“This is a positive declaration of intent to meet the RTS challenge head on, so our message to people in the city is that support is ready and waiting. If you are contacted by your energy supplier to arrange an appointment, please book it.”
Leave a Reply