The RTS signal is being turned off

What is RTS?

RTS stands for Radio Teleswitching Service, sometimes shortened to just Radio Teleswitching. An RTS meter is a type of electricity meter that was brought in over 40 years ago. It uses radio waves to send signals to your meter, which allows it to switch between two different energy prices at different times of the day.

Do I have RTS?

There are a few ways to check whether you have an RTS meter or not. If you can access your electricity meter, then it might have the words “Radio Teleswitching Service” on it. It should also show two different meter readings – one for daytime, one for night-time.

If you can’t access your meter, then you can have a look at your bill to see whether you are charged two different rates for day and night. Or check your tariff type, to see whether it is Economy 7 or Economy 10.

If you are still unsure, then your energy supplier will be able to tell you whether you rely on an RTS meter, or not.

When is it turning off?

The radio is being turned off in phases, starting in Summer 2025. The signal was due to be switched off in short phases from 30 June 2025, but the phases have since been extended to try and avoid large consequences for consumers. The signal is being turned off due to the equipment reaching the end of it's lifespan so, the switch off can only be delayed for so long regardless of whether everyone is prepared or not.

What happens if I don’t change from RTS?

If you are on an RTS meter and don’t do anything before your switch off date, then you will automatically be put onto a standard tariff. This means that you’ll lose your cheaper night rate and, instead, be charged your day rate at all times. This could mean that your night rate will double, or even triple.

Your heating system or water heater may be controlled by your RTS meter, so that it automatically heats up at night. This could mean that once the RTS signal is turned off, your heating system could stop working.

What should I do?

If you have an RTS meter then you need to phone your supplier as soon as possible, to avoid any issues on your switch off date.

You should always contact your supplier using the number that is on your bill. If you receive a letter, email or text message, then you should still phone using the number on your bill or you can call Act on Energy to advise you of the correct number.

What happens after I contact my supplier?

When you call your supplier, they will talk you through your options. The best option is to move to a new meter so that you can control your tariff. If you move to a smart meter, then you will be able to continue on a time-of-use tariff, that will give you cheaper electricity at night. This is particularly beneficial to people who have electric storage heaters or Eco 7 water heaters, because these can be very expensive to run without a cheaper night rate. If you are unable to have a smart meter installed then your supplier may be able to install a different type of meter than can still offer you a cheaper night rate, but these options can vary between suppliers.

Your supplier will also be able to send an engineer to your property to make sure your heating system and water heater won’t be affected by the switch off.

There are currently large delays on meter upgrades and appointments with many suppliers, with some customers waiting months for installation.

Contact Us Today

If you have any additional questions, our energy advisors have been trained to talk you through the RTS switch off and how best to deal with it. You can call us for free on 0800 988 2881.

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