Ofgem estimates there are still around 600,000 radio teleswitch service (RTS) meters in Britain – but the supporting infrastructure which broadcasts the signal is being switched off on June 30
Hundreds of thousands of households on older electricity meters have been urged to upgrade now – or risk being left without heating and hot water.
Ofgem estimates there are still around 600,000 radio teleswitch service (RTS) meters in Britain. RTS meters use radio signals to switch between peak and off-peak rates and were first introduced in the 1980s – but the supporting infrastructure which broadcasts the signal is being switched off on June 30.
It does not cost anything to upgrade an RTS meter. All households should have been contacted by their supplier by the end of 2024. Ofgem has warned that failing to act could lead to heating and hot water being left permanently switched off or on, the latter of which would lead to higher energy bills.
You may have an RTS meter if you have a switch box near your energy meter labelled Radio Teleswitch, if you have electric or storage heaters, if there is no gas supply to your area, or if you get cheaper energy at different times of day, for example, people on an Economy 7, Economy 10 or Total Heat Total Control tariffs.
Charlotte Friel, Director for Retail Pricing and Systems for Ofgem, said: “This new high-profile campaign is a welcome step forward which we hope will enhance the hard work already being done to reach out to affected customers and encourage them to make appointments. This kind of collaborative working epitomises why we set up the RTS Taskforce alongside Energy UK, bringing together suppliers and the wider sector to accelerate progress.”
Dhara Vyas, CEO of Energy UK, said: “Energy suppliers are working closely with consumer groups and the regulator Ofgem to urge customers with Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters to act now to upgrade their meter. Energy suppliers continue to make every effort to get in touch with customers to ensure they have a swift and seamless upgrade, and can give extra support to households that need it. By making sure they are in contact now, customers can minimise disruption, arrange a smooth meter replacement and continue enjoying the benefits they currently receive from RTS.”
Danni Barnes, Director of Development and Partnerships at National Energy Action, said: “Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters are often used with ageing electric heating systems, which are more common in areas experiencing severe fuel poverty. The switch-off could exacerbate costs for households already struggling and result in households losing control of their heating and hot water.
“In the worst cases, some may not be able to use their heating or hot water at all. It is crucial for anyone with a RTS meter to contact their supplier urgently to get their meter changed. Equally important is supporting people within our communities who may lack the confidence to do this on their own.”
