The UK's energy regulator, Ofgem, has issued an urgent warning to approximately 150,000 households across the country, urging them to replace their ageing 'zombie' electricity meters or risk being left without heating and hot water.
The Impending Switch-Off of a Critical Signal
These devices, known as Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters, rely on a long-wave radio signal that is scheduled to be permanently deactivated. This signal, which piggybacks on the same frequency as BBC Radio 4, is crucial as it tells the meters when to switch to cheaper, off-peak electricity rates.
The number of active RTS meters has plummeted from around 600,000 to roughly 165,000 in the past year alone. However, with the signal switch-off process set to resume at pace in the spring, time is running out for the remaining households to take action.
Who is Affected and What Are the Risks?
RTS meters were predominantly installed for customers on specific tariffs designed to cut energy costs. These include:
- Economy 7 and Economy 10 tariffs, which offer cheaper electricity during night-time hours.
- Older, RTS-only tariffs such as Comfort Plus and Total Heat Total Control.
- Homes that use the meters to control storage heaters or hot water systems.
Charlotte Friel, Ofgem’s director of retail pricing and systems, stated that replacement progress is currently "rocketing" at about 1,000 meters per day. She emphasised the urgency, saying: "We want to make 2026 the last year for RTS… that goal is within sight. But there is more work to be done, and it must be done urgently."
Households still using these meters are often located in rural areas without a main gas supply, but Ofgem advises all consumers to check their meter type to be certain.
What Happens When Your Meter is Replaced?
According to guidance from Martin Lewis's MoneySavingExpert website, the transition for most customers should be straightforward. Major suppliers like British Gas, Eon Next, Octopus, and EDF have confirmed that households moving from an RTS meter will be moved onto the 'same or a very similar tariff'.
The site notes that "for some, there may be a small difference to your peak and off-peak timings (the start of your peak hours could be moved by half an hour, for example), depending on the area you live in."
Ofgem has clear rules in place to protect consumers during this process. The regulator states: "Suppliers and network operators must try to fix any problems you've reported within eight weeks." They advise customers to keep a record of the date they first make contact. If an issue remains unresolved after eight weeks, or if the response is unsatisfactory, the complaint can be escalated to the Energy Ombudsman.
