180,000 customers with Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters are being urged to accept the offer of a meter replacement from their energy supplier as the managed phaseout of the ageing technology continues.
Since January, over a quarter of a million RTS meters have been replaced in homes and businesses across Great Britain. There are 215,000 RTS meters left to be replaced, with a further 34,000 scheduled replacements booked with energy suppliers, leaving just over 180,000 appointments that need to be arranged.
Together with consumer groups and the regulator Ofgem, Energy UK is urging those remaining RTS customers to engage with their supplier to make an appointment for an engineer to visit their home or business to upgrade their meter – and to honour those already scheduled – and ensure they maintain control of their heating and hot water after the service is switched off.
RTS meters use a long-range radio signal to switch between peak and off-peak rates. RTS was introduced in the 1980s and has reached the end of its natural operational life. The equipment that generates the radio signal is outdated and can no longer be reliably maintained – increasing the risk of an unplanned failure.
A carefully managed phase-out of the RTS signal is continuing across Great Britain. Homes and businesses that do not arrange a meter replacement could see their heating and/or hot water continually left on or off, or they could be charged for energy at the wrong time of day, leading to higher bills.
Customers who have been contacted by their energy supplier about their RTS meter – or who have not been contacted but believe they may be affected by the phase-out of the signal – should get in touch with their supplier as soon as possible.
Energy suppliers will not charge for a meter replacement and can advise customers which tariffs are suitable for their heating and/or hot water setup. Technical solutions are now available for all households and businesses.
In most cases, RTS meters will be replaced with smart meters, which can work in the same way as RTS meters, with automatic peak and off-peak rates. Smart meters give customers access to a wider variety of tariffs, and the amount people pay for energy does not change with a smart meter. If customers are concerned about energy debt or the ability to pay their bills, they should speak to their supplier.
Sam (26) from Nottingham discovered that he has an RTS electricity meter after being contacted by his energy supplier:
“My fiancé and I didn’t know we had an RTS meter until our energy supplier got in touch. I went on my supplier’s website for more information and I realised that the upgrade was definitely needed. Old things sometimes need to be replaced, and I didn’t want to risk paying more for my energy,” Sam said.
“The upgrade went really smoothly, and we’re pleased with the new meter. For a start, I no longer have to go outside to take readings, but it is also nice to have more visibility of our energy spend and more choice when it comes to tariffs.”
Last year a taskforce was set up by the industry, which has coordinated a range of activity to rapidly increase the pace and number of RTS replacements. The RTS Taskforce includes Ofgem, Energy UK, energy suppliers, District Network Operators, Smart Energy GB, government and consumer groups. It is devoting extra engineer resource, fast tracking RTS meter replacements and prioritising customers in vulnerable circumstances.
You may have an RTS meter if:
- You have received letters, emails, texts or calls from your electricity supplier
- You have a switch box near your energy meter labelled “Radio Teleswitch” or “RTS”
- You have electric or storage heaters
- You have no gas supply in your area – you may live rurally or in a block of flats
- You get cheaper energy at different times of day. Your tariff might be: Economy 7, Economy 10 or Total Heat Total Control.
Ned Hammond, Deputy Director Policy (Customers) from Energy UK, said:
“Thanks to a concerted effort by all those in the taskforce and with energy suppliers going the extra mile to engage with customers, especially in remote areas, we’ve made great progress with the replacement programme so far this year.
“Over a quarter of a million homes and businesses have already had their meters replaced this year and we’re urging the remaining RTS customers to follow suit. With ageing infrastructure at increasing risk of failure, the signal will be switched off for all customers before too long. At this time of year, heating might not be the first thing on people’s minds but our message to customers is please take action now – don’t delay and risk your heating and your hot water failing when you need it.”
Charlotte Friel, Director for Retail Pricing & Systems for Ofgem, said:
“Since Ofgem convened the RTS taskforce last year, we have seen big improvement in the rate of replacement, rising from 1000 meters per month to more than 1000 per day, and we expect energy companies to keep building on that progress.
“The gradual phaseout of the RTS signal continues across the country in areas where suppliers have demonstrated to us that they have robust arrangements in place to protect any affected customers.
“We have made clear to suppliers what their responsibilities are in terms of customer protection but these meters must be replaced urgently. So we are asking customers to play their part – please engage with your supplier when offered an appointment.”
Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said:
“People with RTS meters should not delay and act now. The phase-out of the RTS signal is underway. If your meter isn’t replaced, you could face heating and hot water issues or be charged incorrectly for your energy use.
“We are here to help. Nobody has to deal with any energy issues alone. If you’re worried about costs or energy debt, please speak to your supplier or reach out for independent advice.
“Help is available at energyadvice.scot or call us on 0808 196 8660.”
For more information visit the dedicated RTS webpage at: Replacing your Radio Teleswitch electricity meter | Ofgem
NOTES TO EDITORS
- Of the 215,682 RTS meters left to be replaced (as of 25 July 2025) 132,264 are in England, 77,318 in Scotland and 6,100 in Wales.
- Energy UK is the trade association for the energy industry, representing companies investing billions of pounds to secure our country’s current and future energy needs. From growing start-ups to major electricity generators, grid and infrastructure developers and energy suppliers, our members are driving change across power, heat, transport and flexibility. We provide a collective voice for the sector working with governments, regulators, charities and other organisations to provide crucial insight that shapes policy, offers solutions and promotes best practice. Our broad view across the whole system supports evidence-based positions which are not tied to particular technologies, and are focused on delivering strategic benefits for people, businesses and the economy. We champion initiatives such as our Vulnerability Commitment, which pushes suppliers to go beyond regulation to support customers with additional needs, and TIDE, the industry’s drive for greater inclusion and diversity. Through our Young Energy Professionals Forum, we support the development of future leaders. We are equally committed to our team and are proud to be recognised as a ‘Gold’ Investors in People employer.