RTS meter phase-out could affect your heating and hot water

What is an 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.

RTS meters are being phased out across the UK by the summer because the equipment that produces the radio signal can no longer be adequately maintained and will eventually stop working properly.

If you haven’t yet had your meter replaced by new meters (likely smart meters) by the summer, your heating and hot water will be affected.

What’s happened so far?

Since the start of January 2025, over 300,000 RTS meters in the UK have been replaced. As of late January 2026, there were 154,000 RTS meters left to be replaced, with only 8,000 scheduled replacements booked with energy suppliers. This leaves up to 146,000 appointments yet to be arranged.

What do I need to do?

If you've been contacted by your electricity supplier to arrange a smart meter upgrade, you need to respond and arrange it. If you haven’t, you need to contact them as soon as possible.

Is there any cost to me?

No, the cost of meter replacement is completely free.

How do I know if I have an RTS meter?

You may have an RTS meter if:

• You have received letters, emails, texts or calls from your electricity supplier about an RTS meter in your home

• 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. 

For more information, you can visit Ofgem’s dedicated RTS webpage here.