Radio Teleswitch Service switch-off: what you need to know.

If your home is heated by electricity rather than mains gas, it's important to check whether you have a Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) electricity meter.

The RTS was introduced in the early 1980s to help some electricity meters switch automatically between peak and off-peak electricity rates. It is commonly found in homes that use electric storage heaters or electric hot water systems.

If you have an RTS meter, your electricity supplier should have got in touch with you to arrange an upgrade to a smart meter before the end of June 2025.

Why does this matter?

If your RTS meter has not been replaced, it may no longer switch correctly between peak and off-peak electricity rates. This could mean:

• Your storage heaters are continuously on.
• Your storage heaters don't come on at all.
• Your hot water is continuously on or off.
• Your heating charges during expensive peak-rate hours instead of cheaper off-peak periods.
• Your electricity bills could be higher than expected.

How do you know if you have an RTS meter?

You may have an RTS meter if:

• Your home is heated using electric storage heaters or electric hot water.
• You live in an area without mains gas.
• You are on an off-peak electricity tariff, such as Economy 7, Economy 10 or Total Heat Total Control.
• There is a separate switch box near your electricity meter labelled Radio Teleswitch.
• Your electricity supplier has contacted you about replacing your meter.

If you're unsure, contact your electricity supplier who will be able to confirm whether your home has an RTS meter. A list of energy suppliers with links to their dedicated Radio Teleswitch Meter page can be found on the Ofgem website.  

Your supplier is responsible for replacing the meter and should discuss the most suitable option for your property. In many cases this will be a smart meter, although an alternative solution may be available where a smart meter cannot be installed.

What are your alternatives if you don’t want a replacement meter?

If you choose not to replace an RTS meter, your heating and hot water may no longer work as intended, and you could lose access to cheaper off-peak electricity rates.

If you are looking at alternatives and considering switching to oil-fired central heating, why not sign up to Community Action Norfolk's Thinking Fuel oil buying scheme? Membership is free and gives you access to our community buying scheme, helping off-grid households purchase heating oil at competitive prices. 

For more information about the RTS replacement programme, visit Energy UK and Ofgem.

If you need extra support because of your age, health or personal circumstances, let your electricity supplier know or speak to Citizens Advice for free and impartial advice about your energy supply. Additional help may be available during the replacement process.