Replacing your Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter – act now!
An RTS meter is an outdated type of electricity meter that, if you have one, controls your homes off peak and peak electricity usage, including access to heating and hot water. As of 30th June 2025, these meters will reach the end of their operational life and will no longer function correctly, your access to these facilities could be affected or interrupted. Keep reading to find out how you can avoid this happening!
How do I know if I have an RTS meter?
There are a few things you can look for to help you with this:
- Do you get cheaper energy rates at certain times of the day (i.e. peak / off-peak)?
- Is your property heated using electricity or storage heaters?
- Is there no gas supply to your area?
- Does your meter box have a ‘radio telemeter’ label printed on it?
If the above points are true for you, it is likely that you have an RTS meter.
Below are a few examples of what these meters may look like within your meter box. However, if you are unsure, your energy supplier will be able to confirm to you whether or not you have an RTS meter.
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| This is an example of an RTS electricity meter with a radio teleswitch in a black box to the right of the meter. | This is an example of an RTS electricity meter that has a radio teleswitch in the same box. If you have one of these, it may have 'radio telemeter’ printed on it. |
What do I need to do if I have an RTS meter?
If you have an RTS meter, your energy supplier may have already reached out to you about this, to organise a smart meter replacement fitting date and time with you, however, if they haven’t, it will be up to you to contact them regarding this.
To avoid the likeliness of interruption and higher costs, we highly recommend that you reach out as soon as possible.
What will happen if I don’t replace my RTS meter?
If you still have an RTS meter by the time the RTS meter service is switched off on 30th June 2025:
- You will have a more limited choice of tariffs. As the service is being switched off, you will find that energy suppliers will offer very limited or no tariffs for remaining RTS meter users.
- Your access to heating and hot water will stop working completely.
- Constant heating and hot water, caused by systems remaining on constantly, which will in turn cause your energy bills to increase significantly.
- Inaccurate charges caused by a lack of ability to tell when your electricity is being used, meaning you could be charged incorrectly for off peak and peak usage.
What will my RTS meter be replaced with?
In most cases, RTS meters are replaced with smart meters due to the similar functionality and tariffs they can offer.
With smart meters:
- You’ll get accurate bills based on the energy you’ve actually used, not an estimate.
- Meter readings are submitted automatically, there is no need for you to do this manually.
- You can keep a closer eye on your usage, and how much you are spending.
- You can see specifics on where you might be able to lower your usage and save money.
- You’ll have access to ‘smart meter -only’ tariffs.
If a smart meter is not an option in your area (i.e. due to low signal), your supplier will be able to explain and provide other options or interrim solutions.
Be aware of scams – meter replacements are free! Your energy supplier will never ask you for payment or charge you for replacing your meter.
Further reading
RTS Shutdown (Radio Teleswitch Service) | What to do
The Radio Teleswitch Service switch-off: What you need to know - Energy UK