What are radio teleswitch meters?
Radio teleswitch (RTS) meters were brought in to manage older, more complex meters. They enable customers to switch between on and off- peak rates, such as Economy 7 meters. RTS meters rely on a specific radio frequency to work.
You might have an RTS meter if:
- There’s a separate switch box near your meter with a “Radio Teleswitch” label on it.
- You use electricity or storage heaters for heating.
- Your area doesn’t have a gas supply, like some rural areas or high-rise flats.
- You get cheaper energy at certain times of the day, such as with Economy 7, Economy 10, or Total Heat Total Control tariffs.
If you’re unsure whether you have an radio teleswitch meter, contact your electricity supplier to find out. You could also watch the video below, which will help you identify if you have a radio teleswitch meter, and what actions you will need to take.
What happens next?
The technology behind RTS electricity meters is being switched off after 30 June 2025. Without this technology, RTS meters may not work properly, and this could affect your heating and hot water. If your switch becomes stuck on, you may end up with much higher bills, and if your switch becomes stuck off, it may mean you don’t have hot water or heating. This is why it’s important to check if you have an RTS meter.
If you have an RTS meter, your energy supplier will contact you to arrange an upgrade to a smart meter before the technology is switched off. They’ll make sure the new meter is installed properly, and that your service continues without any issues. All RTS meters should be replaced before the radio teleswitch service technology shuts down. If you haven’t yet heard about your meter being upgraded, please get in touch with your energy supplier to arrange an appointment.
For more information, check out the Ofgem webpage which has lots of information and advice, including links to most energy supplier webpages.
