RTS Meter Phase-Out Puts Heating in Over 300,000 UK Homes at Risk
LONDON, May 1, 2025 – More than 300,000 households across the UK could lose control over their heating and hot water supply from July 1, as outdated Radio Teleswitching System (RTS) meters are phased out.
RTS meters, introduced in the 1980s, use longwave radio signals to switch between peak and off-peak electricity tariffs — particularly for homes on Economy 7 and all-electric heating systems. But the technology is now obsolete and set to be permanently deactivated on June 30.
Replacement Targets Falling Short
According to Energy UK, around 430,000 homes were still using RTS meters at the end of March. Energy providers are replacing more than 1,000 meters per day, but experts warn that figure needs to quintuple to reach all affected households in time.
Ned Hammond, Energy UK’s Deputy Director for Customers, said while replacement efforts are increasing, meeting the deadline will be “very, very difficult.”
Simon Francis from the End Fuel Poverty Coalition echoed the concern, warning of potential “prolonged disruption” for vulnerable and rural households due to limited availability of engineers.
Not Everyone Wants a Smart Meter
The government’s solution is to replace RTS meters with smart meters, but public distrust and logistical hurdles remain. Some users, like Jane from Norfolk, refuse to switch due to privacy concerns and satisfaction with their current setup.
Meanwhile, Diane Gray from Cumbria says her supplier initially said a compatible smart meter couldn’t be installed in her home — only to later schedule an installation for June, leaving her uncertain about what to expect ahead of winter.
What Households Should Know
Ofgem advises consumers who may have RTS meters to look for:
- A Radio Teleswitch label on a nearby switch box
- Electric-only heating systems
- No gas supply in the home
- Usage of Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariffs
If your supplier hasn’t contacted you yet, it’s advised to proactively reach out to arrange a replacement. Ofgem warns against scams — meter replacements are free and should not require any payment.
Ofgem has also reminded suppliers that they must ensure “suitable meters” are installed where smart meters are not viable — without disrupting energy supply.
Government Urging Industry to Act Faster
The UK government says the energy industry must “urgently accelerate” replacements. While the RTS switch-off was already delayed once from March 2024, energy companies are holding firm on the June 30 deadline, though some have hinted at a “careful, phased transition” to minimize disruption.
As the clock ticks down, the spotlight is on suppliers to meet deadlines and ensure heating and hot water are not cut off for hundreds of thousands of households as winter looms.
