The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) will end on 30 June 2025 - are you prepared?
The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) will end on 30 June 2025 and be replaced by smart meters. RTS, which started in the 1980s, allows electricity meters to switch between peak and off-peak rates.
If your home is heated with electricity and doesn't have a smart meter by the RTS shutdown, you might face issues like heating/hot water being left on or off, incorrect charging times for hot water tanks/storage heaters, and higher bills.
Signs you might have an RTS:
Separate switch box near the meter, possibly labelled RTS
Home heated with electricity or storage heaters
No gas supply (common in rural areas and high-rise flats)
Variable electricity prices throughout the day (e.g., Economy 7, Economy 10)
Electricity providers should contact RTS users before the end of 2024. If you haven't been contacted and think you have an RTS, reach out to your provider.
Smart meters will continue to offer off-peak tariffs. If a smart meter can't be installed, your supplier must provide a suitable alternative without service disruption or cost to you. Be cautious of scammers charging for fake services. For advice, visit the Ofgem website.