Time is running out for households still using outdated RTS (Radio Teleswitch) meters, as the technology is set to be switched off by the end of June 2025.
These older-style meters—first introduced in the 1980s—use radio signals to switch between peak and off-peak electricity rates, mainly in homes heated by electricity or storage heaters. But the system is now obsolete, and energy suppliers warn that homes still using RTS meters risk being left without heating or hot water.
According to Energy UK, around 260,000 homes in southern England still need to make the switch to a modern alternative, such as a smart meter.
“We’re quite worried for customers who don’t replace them,” said Joe Richardson, operations director at Octopus Energy.
“Their heating might get stuck on or might not come on at all, and they might not have hot water.”
What’s the Risk?
If an RTS meter isn’t replaced before the signal is switched off, key parts of a household’s energy system—especially electric heating and hot water controls—could stop working.
These meters are usually found in off-gas areas, where homes rely on electric heating systems, such as night storage heaters. They often have a separate switching box near the electricity meter and may be labelled differently than standard units.
Case Study: A Smart Upgrade
Homeowner Ilke Weiss, from Goring, recently had her RTS meter swapped for a smart meter after upgrading her heating system:
“The RTS meter was here when we moved in. It was a night storage heating system, so we had day and night electricity,” she told the BBC.
“It’s very good to get rid of this old one. Every little step towards being more ecological and sustainable is good.”
Unlike RTS meters, smart meters record energy usage every 30 minutes, automatically send readings to your supplier, and can help households track their energy use more closely.
What’s Stopping the Switch?
Despite a national campaign to raise awareness, some people are still hesitant to switch to smart meters.
Anindita Sarkar from Citizens Advice Reading said:
“People are worried about smart meters, despite the fact they work well most of the time. When they do, smart meters have many advantages.”
Concerns include perceived reliability and data privacy, but charities and energy providers say the benefits—such as better billing accuracy and energy-saving insights—far outweigh the risks.
What You Should Do
If you have an RTS meter, don’t wait until the deadline. Contact your energy supplier now to arrange a free meter upgrade. If you’re unsure whether your meter is an RTS type, look out for:
🔍 A separate switching box
🔍 Unusual or outdated labels
🔍 Heating that’s tied to off-peak electricity
Upgrading not only protects you from losing hot water or heating—it also gives you access to modern tariffs and energy-saving features.
Want to Save Even More on Your Energy Bills?
If you’re already upgrading your meter, why not check if you’re eligible for free home energy upgrades through government-backed schemes like ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme?
You could get:
✅ Free insulation
✅ A free air source heat pump
✅ Free solar panels
These upgrades can significantly cut your bills—and they’re available at no cost for eligible households.
📞 Call Free Heating Scheme for free on 0333 880 8535
💻 Complete our short eligibility checker below to see if you qualify!