The phase out of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) signal begins today, with a small number of meters to be deactivated from the system.
The RTS is an out-dated system which uses a radio signal to tell some older electricity meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates.
While the RTS infrastructure has delivered a reliable service for over 40 years, it has now reached the end of its operational life, with key physical components which support it no longer being manufactured. This means that the equipment that produces the radio signal can’t be properly maintained anymore.
From today (30 June) small groups of meters will be switched off at a time. The first stage of the phase out will target specific, localised areas, with low numbers of meters still to be replaced.
People with affected meters have been informed directly, as have MPs, MSPs and Local Authorities with activity within their areas.
For years, suppliers have been engaging with customers to upgrade this outdated technology, and since the deadline was set to begin the switch off on 30 June, replacement rates have ramped up from 1000/month to more than 1000/working day.
Because of the age of the equipment, industry’s objective remains to complete the process as quickly as possible with the least disruption to customers.
Most replacements are straightforward, but even for those that are complex, there is now a technical solution for every home.
However, if people do not engage with their supplier they could face issues with their heating and hot water. The best way to avoid any impact is to book an appointment as soon as possible.
This group-by-group approach is planned to continue throughout the phase out, which will allow suppliers to resource areas where customers may need support in getting their meter replaced quickly.
Dhara Vyas, chief executive of Energy UK, said:
“Hundreds of thousands of people have already replaced their meter successfully, and suppliers have ramped up resources and are ready to go. Due to high demand, appointments are being booked up quickly, and so people should get in touch as soon as possible, and not wait until it’s too late.
“We won’t leave remote areas behind. Whilst access is much harder, it doesn’t stop teams of engineers who have used everything from wheelbarrows to golf carts on the Isle of Scilly where no cars are allowed, to suppliers sending teams proactively to Shetland to engage with people face to face.
“It remains our objective to replace as many meters as possible quickly whilst still carefully managing our approach, as the longer the service runs the more chance of failure, which could affect hundreds of thousands of homes at once.
“So we need everyone’s help in responding to suppliers’ communications, ensuring they book an appointment and sticking to appointments if they have them booked.
“It will take collaborative efforts, from suppliers across the sector and we are also pleased to be working with Ofgem, DESNZ and other key stakeholders on ensuring the best outcomes for all customers.”
ENDS
What is RTS?
The RTS uses a radio signal to tell some older electricity meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates.
RTS is used for some traditional multi-rate meters and was designed to support those using electricity for heating and hot water, for example electric storage systems and panel or immersion heaters in water tanks, which may heat up overnight.
RTS allows energy suppliers to offer different tariff rates, so that consumers can make use of cheaper off-peak tariffs to charge their heating and/or hot water systems overnight.
Will customers still be able to take advantage of cheaper off-peak tariffs?
Smart meters are the like-for-like replacement for RTS meters and give access to a wider variety of tariffs and greater control over a consumer’s electricity usage. Without a smart meter, a consumer’s supplier may be unable to support the cheaper off-peak charging for their heating and hot water. A smart meter also gives consumers greater visibility of their energy consumption, allowing them to minimise their usage and save money, as well as take advantage of services which may reward them for shifting electricity use to off peak times.
How would customers know if they have RTS?
Some things a consumer may look at that might give them an indication that they have an RTS meter are:
- The property is heated using electricity or storage heaters.
- They get cheaper energy at different times of day (usually overnight). Their tariff might be: Economy 7, Economy 10 or Total Heat Total Control.
- There is no gas supply to the property. This is often the case in blocks of flats and premises in rural areas.
- There may be a separate switch box near the consumer’s meter with a Radio Teleswitch (RTS) label on it.
- A photo example can be found here: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/radio-teleswitch-service-rts-shutdown-campaign-toolkit