RTS meters
What is a Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter?
The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) uses a radio signal to tell some older electricity meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates of electricity. RTS was introduced in the 1980s, and has now reached the end of its natural operational life.
Energy regulator Ofgem estimates there are hundreds of thousands of RTS meters in Great Britain. RTS is used for some traditional multi-rate meters and was designed to support those using electricity for their heating and hot water. This could include households with electric storage systems, panel heaters or immersion heaters in water tanks.
Using RTS, energy suppliers can offer different tariff rates to enable consumers to make use of cheaper off-peak tariffs to charge their heating and/or hot water systems up overnight.
RTS has now been switched off
Ofgem announced that the service was switched off on 30 June 2026. Ofgem contacted affected customers multiple times ahead of their meters being phased out. Customers who have been contacted by their energy supplier but have not yet arranged a replacement should contact their supplier to accept an appointment.
For more information: www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/replacing-your-radio-teleswitch-electricity-meter
Do I have an RTS meter?
If you aren’t sure whether you have an RTS meter, check for the following things:
- There may be a separate switch box near your meter with a Radio Teleswitch label on it
- You use electricity or storage heaters for your heating
- There is no gas supply in your area – this could be the case in rural areas and high-rise flats
- You get cheaper electricity at different times of day – you may be on Economy 7, Economy 10 or Total Heat Total Control
Get in touch with your electricity supplier if you aren’t sure whether you have an RTS meter.
Will I be able to stay on the same tariff I am on now?
Your supplier will be able to tell you which tariffs are available. They should offer a tariff suitable for the hot water and heating set up in your home.
What if I don’t upgrade to a smart meter?
If you decide not to upgrade, the heating and/or hot water in your home or business could be affected. You might find that your heating and/or hot water is continually left on or off, or the charging-up happens at the wrong time of day. Your electricity supplier won’t be able to confirm how much electricity you have used during peak or off-peak times, which means you could end up with higher electricity bills. A smart meter will give you a similar service to your RTS meter. You should speak to your supplier to find out.
Some RTS customers may not be able to upgrade to smart meters yet
There are some situations where your electricity supplier won’t be able to offer you an appointment for a smart meter upgrade just yet. If that’s the case, your supplier will get in touch when they are ready to upgrade your meter.
Find out more about RTS from the links below: