Do you have an RTS meter controlling your home energy supply? Then, hopefully, your energy supplier will have already notified you that these are due to be phased out over the next few months!
The entire RTS network was originally scheduled to be switched off on July 1st, but with thousands of householders still waiting to be upgraded to a new system, the switch-off date has been pushed back. Now, the outdated RTS technology will be phased out regionally. It’s hoped that by doing this, it will allow suppliers enough time to install new meters, ensuring no householders are left without heating and hot water.
What is an RTS Meter?
Using technology that dates back to the 1980s, RTS meters rely on radio signals to work. They typically piggyback onto BBC Radio 4 long‑wave signals, using them to automatically switch households between daytime and off‑peak electricity rates such as Economy7 and 10. The meters also use these signals to control heaters and hot water systems.
As the RTS infrastructure is now more than 40 years old, many of the parts are obsolete, meaning much of the equipment is no longer maintainable. For this reason, the decision was made to retire the system from 30 June 2025 onwards.
How Will the RTS Meter Switch Off Work?
For the thousands of households still fitted with an RTS meter, this is a worrying time. So, here are a few key points about the switch-off plan which will hopefully reassure those still waiting for a new meter installation:
- It will no longer be a blanket, almost real time shut‑down. Instead, the process will take a phased, regional approach, targeting small clusters of meters first. This will be based on how ready the households are and whether they have had replacement meters fitted.
- Energy suppliers must contact RTS customers ahead of time, ensuring meter replacements are booked, and smart‑meter setups are prepared for switch-on.
- This approach guards against sudden disruptions, protects households, and ensures bills/tariffs remain stable during the transition.
What are the Main Areas Affected by the Switch Off?
According to data from ElectraLink, these are the “hotspots” where RTS meters are most concentrated and likely to be first for deactivation:
- South East England: especially around Tunbridge Wells and Brighton.
- Midlands: including Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottinghamshire.
- Scotland: notably the Highlands and Borders, which have higher concentrations in rural zones.
In Scotland, roughly 10% of households still use RTS systems rather than smart ones. This is due to many properties being in remote rural or island locations that are hard to access.
An Approximate Switch Off Timeline Snapshot
The following table shows an approximate timeline of when each area is likely to be switched off:
| Period | Activity |
| July 2025 onwards | The kick-off of the phased signal switch‑off is likely to begin in low-density areas. |
| Summer–Autumn 2025 | This is likely to expand to Midlands and South East hotspots as energy providers ramp up replacements. |
| Late 2025 – early 2026 | The focus will be on rural Scotland and other hard-to-reach zones, with increased engineering deployments scheduled. |
The precise local dates will all depend on how quickly suppliers can replace the old meters. Ofgem are promising to actively oversee a smooth progress to avoid major consumer disruptions.
Who Will Be Switched Off First?
Prioritisation for RTS switch-off will be based on two factors:
- Smart meter take‑up rate – The regions where most customers are already scheduled to have smart installs will have RTS cut‐offs sooner.
- Customer vulnerability – This applies particularly to rural households or those with electric heating that relies on RTS signals. Energy suppliers will engage proactively with these groups.
What Should RTS Meter Customers Do Now?
Most households with known RTS meters should now have been notified by their energy companies about the upcoming switch-off. However, if you haven’t received a notification and are worried about how and when you will be affected; here are a few things you can do:
- Check if you have an RTS meter: Look for a black box marked “radio teleswitch” next to your meter, or S-numbers on your bill.
- Contact your supplier immediately if you haven’t heard from them to book a slot to have your meter replaced.
- Book a smart-meter replacement as soon as possible. Engineers are in high demand, and this could lead to a delay in fitting your meter.
- Understand your new tariff—Ofgem requires suppliers to offer a like-for-like equivalent when switching from an RTS to a smart tariff.
- Ask for support if you’re vulnerable or in a rural area. Special assistance should be available.
Why Does it Matter to Act Fast?
- More than 600,000 homes still rely on RTS. As of mid-June 2025, about 314,000 households are still waiting to be switched over. Many of these are in rural locations or are heating-dependent households.
- Reports suggest customers of certain energy suppliers, such as EDF, are struggling to get appointments at the last minute.
- Without replacement, meters could remain stuck at peak rates or lose heating control, affecting customer comfort and costs.
Energy Advice Helpline, Helping you to Navigate the RTS Meter Switch Off
Energy Advice Helpline is here to ensure households have a smoother energy transition, with no unwanted surprises when the RTS radios go silent.
The RTS meter switch-off has begun and will gradually shut down the signal in a phased rollout. If your home depends on Economy 7/10 or electric heating, it’s important to act now. Contact your energy provider to schedule a smart meter swap as soon as you can!
If you live in a property with an RTS meter and you’ve never considered solar panels or heat pumps before, this could be the perfect time!
To see if you’re qualify for free energy efficiency upgrades through ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, click the button below!
