Urgent Action Required for Ageing Electricity Meters
Households across the nation still using outdated electricity meters have been issued a critical warning: take immediate steps or risk losing essential heating and hot water services. The energy regulator, Ofgem, has alerted approximately 100,000 homes that rely on Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters, emphasizing that the controlling signal is being phased out region by region throughout this year.
What Is Changing with RTS Meters?
RTS meters utilize a radio signal to switch between peak and off-peak electricity rates, commonly found in homes equipped with electric storage heaters and hot water systems. According to industry reports, the supporting technology has been gradually shut down since June of last year. Once the signal disappears, affected meters may malfunction, leading to heating and hot water systems activating at incorrect times or failing entirely. This could also result in inaccurate billing if suppliers cannot verify off-peak usage.
Who Is Most at Risk?
You might still have an RTS meter if:
- There is a separate switch box near your meter labelled 'Radio Teleswitch'
- Your home is heated using electricity or storage heaters
- There is no gas supply in your area, which is typical in rural communities and high-rise flats
- You are on a time-of-use tariff such as Economy 7, Economy 10, or Total Heat Total Control
Homes without gas central heating are particularly vulnerable, as many depend on off-peak electricity overnight to power storage heaters.
What Energy Suppliers Must Do
Under the phased switch-off, suppliers are mandated to:
- Provide clear and timely information about the changes
- Explain how the replacement process works
- Maintain customer service standards during the transition
- Offer an enquiry service, including support for vulnerable customers
- Move customers onto suitable smart tariffs that match their usage
If meters are not replaced promptly, households could face issues such as heating being stuck on or off, storage heaters charging at inappropriate times, higher bills, and reduced tariff options. Suppliers must also ensure fair treatment and identify those requiring additional assistance.
Who to Contact and Next Steps
Households are advised to contact their electricity supplier directly to arrange an upgrade. Major suppliers include British Gas, E.ON Next, EDF Energy, Octopus Energy, OVO Energy, Scottish Power, SSE, Utilita Energy, and Utility Warehouse. For those unsure of their supplier, Ofgem's 'find your energy supplier' service is available. Ofgem recommends switching to a smart meter as the optimal solution, as they can provide timed switching, automatic reading submissions, and access to tariffs designed for off-peak usage, ensuring accurate bills based on real consumption rather than estimates.
Where to Get Help
Customers in England and Wales can seek free and impartial guidance from Citizens Advice, while in Scotland, support is available through Energy Advice Scotland. Ofgem urges anyone suspecting they have an RTS meter not to delay, warning that inaction could leave homes without reliable heating and hot water once the signal is switched off.
