With winter fast approaching, over 156,000 British households and businesses with Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters could be at risk of losing control of their heating and hot water if they do not get them replaced.
Customers with RTS meters are being urged to get in touch with their energy supplier – or respond to any contact – as soon as possible to arrange a meter replacement. This will ensure that their heating and hot water continue to work as normal through the colder months and that customers can continue to benefit from cheaper off-peak electricity rates.
Since the beginning of 2025, energy suppliers have replaced over a quarter of a million RTS meters across the country. Peter Senyk, a retired prison officer from East Renfrewshire, is among those who have already had their old RTS meter replaced.
“The engineer turned up on time, explained what he was going to do, and got straight to work. The old meter came out and the new meter went in – it was all done within 40 minutes,” Peter said. “There were no issues at all and it was a really good experience. The engineer even called me later on to check that everything was working as it should.”
Since getting the smart meter, Peter has enjoyed automatic meter readings and near real-time energy tracking via his phone. He’s also started saving money by taking part in a flexible energy use reward scheme.
“If anyone still has an RTS meter, I’d definitely recommend getting it replaced sooner rather than later. It’s understandable that people might be apprehensive, but it’s definitely a change for the better. The new meter has actually made everything much easier and simpler for us,” he added.
Smart meters are installed at no extra cost, helping households track energy use and access savings schemes.
There are still 178,000 RTS meters left across Great Britain to replace, of which only 22,000 appointments have been booked. With the colder weather setting in, the remaining RTS customers should act quickly and contact their supplier.
RTS technology was introduced in the 1980s and is now reaching the end of its operational life. The infrastructure that powers the RTS signal is increasingly at risk of failure. If it stops working, customers could be left without heating or hot water when they need it most.
In areas where the RTS signal has already been phased out, customers may only realise how they are affected when they turn on their heating as temperatures drop. Any customers experiencing a problem like this should contact their supplier immediately for help and advice.
Ned Hammond, Deputy Director, Policy (Customers) at Energy UK, said:
“Over a quarter of a million homes and businesses have already had their meters replaced this year alone, 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, with colder weather setting in, heating and hot water are more important than ever. Our message to customers is simple: please take action now – don’t risk being left without warmth when you need it most.”
Suppliers have been pulling out all the stops to replace the remaining RTS meters by coordinating resources, mobilising installers and increasing appointment availability. Extensive efforts have been made to contact customers directly through multiple channels to ensure they know about the situation and the need to take action. This has been supported by extensive outreach and advertising campaigns in partnership with local authorities, consumer groups and Ofgem.
Despite this activity, there are still many customers who may not realise they are affected. Some may not know what kind of meter they have, may not have seen the messages from their supplier or may not have turned on their heating and be aware of any issues. That’s why it is so important to check now and take action before winter sets in.
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.
If the RTS signal fails, customers could also be charged incorrectly for their energy – for example, by being billed at peak rates instead of cheaper off-peak times. This could lead to higher bills, at a time when many households and businesses are already struggling with the cost of living.
A carefully managed phase-out of the RTS signal is continuing across Great Britain and has been extremely successful in reaching an unprecedented number of customers in a short space of time, but the clock is ticking. Homes and businesses that do not arrange a meter replacement could suddenly see their heating and/or hot water continually left off.
Notes to editors
- As of 3 October 2025, 178,000 RTS meters remain to be replaced, with 22,000 appointments already booked.
- 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.