We may have contacted you about some important changes that affect you if you have a Radio Teleswitch (RTS) electricity meter.
The government have confirmed that the Radio Teleswitch Service, which has been in use since the 1980s, is being phased out and will be switched off. This service controls older meters that switch between different tariffs and can also manage heating and hot water systems. The technology has now reached the end of its life and will no longer be supported.
How do I know if I have an RTS meter?
You may have an RTS meter if you see a separate switch box near your meter labelled Radio Teleswitch, if your home is heated only by electricity, or if you have a tariff that gives you cheaper electricity at certain times of the day (for example, Economy 7 or Economy 10). If you are unsure, your electricity supplier will confirm this for you.
If your home has electric heating, such as storage heaters or an old immersion heater, you may be affected by this change. Once the RTS service is switched off, your meter will not work correctly. This could affect your heating and hot water or result in incorrect charges.
What do I need to do?
What you need to do depends on your situation. If your electricity supplier has already contacted you, then you do not need to take any further action.
If you have not been contacted, please get in touch with your supplier as soon as possible so they can check your meter and if needed, arrange a replacement. Your supplier will usually replace your RTS meter with a smart meter or another suitable alternative free of charge.
If anyone asks you to pay for a meter replacement, this is a scam.
If you do not know who your supplier is, you can find out by visiting: www.ofgem.gov.uk/find-your-energy-supplier
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