Radio Teleswitch Service switch off in June

13 May 2025

The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) will be switched off permanently on Monday 30 June 2025. This change will impact households across the country that rely on RTS meters to manage their electricity usage.

RTS uses radio signals to instruct certain electricity meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates, enabling residents to take advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity, typically used to charge heating and hot water systems overnight.

The decision to switch off RTS meters was made by the government and Ofgem as the equipment transmitting the radio signals to control the meters has reached the end of its operational life and cannot be adequately maintained.

Residents are warned that if they do not upgrade to a smart meter, their heating and hot water may not work properly or may be on constantly. It can also lead to an increased bills due to the inability to switch between peak and off-peak rates.

To identify a RTS meter, residents can check:

• if their home has a separate switch box near your meter with a Radio Teleswitch label on it
• if their home is heated using electricity or storage heaters
• there is no gas supply to the area, including households in rural areas and high-rise flats
• they get cheaper energy at different times of day, for example being on an Economy 7, Economy 10, or Total Heat Total Control tariff.

Residents that have an RTS meter will be contacted by their energy supplier to arrange a date and time to replace the meter and upgrade it with a smart meter. Those who have not heard from their energy supplier are encouraged to contact them before the deadline so not to be affected by the switch off.

Smart meters can be programmed to deliver a similar service to RTS meters and offer addition benefits such as:

• electricity readings that are automatically submitted
• access to smart meter only tariff
• the ability to monitor energy usage
• accurate electricity bills instead of estimations.

Cllr Gerald Kelly, Cabinet Member for Governance, Regulatory and Environment at West Suffolk Council, said: “We understand that any change to how people heat their homes can feel daunting, especially for our more vulnerable residents. That’s why we’re urging everyone to check if they’re affected by the RTS switch-off, as well as reminding neighbours, families and friends. We are here to help residents through the process of upgrading to a smart meter, ensuring no one is left behind. Anyone unsure of what actions to take should watch the Ofgem video here: YouTube - Ofgem How to identify if you have an RTS meter and what action you should take

West Suffolk Council will be sharing information regarding the switch off, giving advice and signposting residents to utility providers that will move them across to a smart meter before the deadline: Energy saving advice

More information about smart meters: Ofgem - Replacing your radio teleswitch electricity meter.

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