Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters are being phased out.
Some older electricity meters use a system called the Radio Teleswitch (RTS). This technology is now reaching the end of its life and is being switched off across the UK.
The national switch-off began in June 2025 and will continue gradually different areas.
If your home still uses a RTS meter, it may affect how your heating, hot water and electricity tariff work.
What is a RTS meter?
A RTS meter uses a radio signal to control when your heating and hot water turn on.
They are most commonly found in homes with storage heaters, which heat up overnight using cheaper electricity and release heat during the day.
These systems often use Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariffs.
Once the RTS signal is switched off, these meters may stop working properly.
How could this affect your home?
If your home still has a RTS meter when the signal is switched off, your heating and hot water could turn off.
This is because the meter will no longer receive the radio signal that controls when your heating and hot water switch on and off.
How to check if you have a RTS meter?
You may have a RTS meter if:
- Your home has storage heaters
- You are on an Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariff
- There is a separate teleswitch box next to your electricity meter
- Your home uses electric heating instead of gas
If you are unsure, your energy supplier will be able to check this for you.
What should you do?
If you think your home may have a RTS meter, you should contact your energy supplier as soon as possible.
Your energy supplier is responsible for electricity meters and will need to arrange any replacement directly with you.
In most cases, RTS meters are being replaced with smart meters.
What are the benefits of a smart meter?
Smart meters can provide a similar service to RTS meters and offer benefits such as:
- Automatic meter readings
- Accurate energy bills based on actual usage
- The ability to monitor your energy use
- Access to some smart meter tariffs
Can Berwickshire Housing Association replace your meter?
No. Electricity meters are the responsibility of your energy supplier.
Your supplier will need to arrange the upgrade with you directly.
Not sure who your energy supplier is?
If you don’t know who supplies your electricity, you can:
- Check a recent energy bill or online account – Your supplier’s name and contact details can usually be found here
- Use an online supplier finder – You can search online by visiting https://www.energynetworks.org/customers/find-my-network-operator and just enter your postcode to find your supplier. They can also give you your Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN), which helps identify your electricity supplier
Need more information?
You can find more information about the RTS switch off on the Ofgem website:
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/replacing-your-radio-teleswitch-electricity-meter
Need help?
If you need support understanding this change or contacting your energy supplier, we can help:
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Call us on 0800 652 8104
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Email us at info@berwickshirehousing.org.uk