Ofgem Issues Urgent Warning to 100,000 Homes Over Radio Teleswitch Meters
Ofgem, the energy regulator, has issued a critical alert to approximately 100,000 households across the UK that are still using Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters. The watchdog has emphasized that these meters will be phased out entirely this year, with the signal being switched off, potentially leaving residents without heating or hot water if they fail to act promptly.
Immediate Action Required to Avoid Service Disruption
In a recent social media announcement, Ofgem stated: “The signal to Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters is being switched off. All remaining RTS meters will be phased out this year. If you have one, contact your energy supplier now to book a replacement and avoid the risk of losing heating and/or hot water.” This warning follows previous communications where electricity suppliers were expected to reach out to affected customers by the end of June 2025 to arrange upgrades to smart meters.
Energy suppliers are mandated to ensure a smooth transition, installing suitable replacement meters and minimizing any service disruptions. The phase-out will be implemented in a structured, phased approach, allowing suppliers to manage and address any technical issues that may arise during the process.
How to Identify If You Have an RTS Meter
Households may have an RTS meter if they observe specific indicators:
- A separate switch box located near the meter with a Radio Teleswitch label attached.
- Homes that rely on electricity or storage heaters for heating, particularly in areas without a gas supply, such as rural regions or high-rise flats.
- Residents who benefit from cheaper energy rates at different times of day, such as those on Economy 7, Economy 10, or Total Heat Total Control tariffs.
Benefits of Upgrading to a Smart Meter
Replacing an RTS meter with a smart meter offers numerous advantages, including:
- Similar functionality to the RTS meter, ensuring continued access to time-based tariffs.
- Automatic submission of electricity readings, eliminating the need for manual meter readings.
- Access to exclusive ‘smart meter only’ tariffs, which can lead to cost savings.
- Enhanced ability to monitor real-time energy usage, promoting better consumption habits.
- Accurate billing based on actual electricity usage rather than estimates, reducing the risk of overcharges.
Ofgem stresses that proactive communication with energy suppliers is essential to secure a replacement and prevent potential hardships. Households are encouraged to verify their meter type and take immediate steps to schedule an upgrade, safeguarding their energy services as the phase-out progresses.
