Radio Teleswitch Service Electricity Meters
Do you have a Radio Teleswitch Service electricity meter?
Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters are commonly used with storage heating systems, and are often used to support Economy 7 and Economy 10 tariffs. The RTS meters are responsible for switching between peak and off-peak rates.
You might have been told by your electricity supplier you need to have your Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) electricity meter replaced. This is because the radio frequency it uses to charge your storage heaters with off-peak electricity is being switched off.
The RTS frequency is expected to be switched off on 30 June 2025. Ofgem, the energy regulator, currently expects all RTS meters to be replaced by this date.
If you do not change your meter it could cost you a lot more money to use your heating and hot water. Other possible problems are:
- Your heating and hot water may be left continually switched on, leading to very high electricity bills
- Your system may be left continually switched off and you may have no heating or hot water at all
- Your electric storage heaters may charge at the wrong time of day, possibly leading to higher bills
- Your supplier may be unable confirm your electricity usage during peak or off-peak times, and your electricity costs may be higher than before
Check if you need to replace your meter
Image 1:
This is an example of an RTS electricity meter with a Radio Teleswitch in a black box to the right of the meter.
Image 2:
This is an example of an RTS electricity meter that has a Radio Tele-Switch in the same box. If you have one of these it might have ‘radio telemeter’ printed on it.
You may have an RTS meter if:
- It switches between peak and off-peak tariff rates
- It automatically turns on your heating or hot water
- Your home is heated using electric or storage heaters
- There is no gas supply to your area
Get in touch with your electricity supplier if you are still not sure which meter is in your home. We are also visiting all our tenants where we think they may have an RTS meter to offer help and advice, but only the electricity customer can order a new meter, we cannot do this for you.
Getting your meter replaced
If you’ve been contacted by your electricity supplier, they should have told you how and when your meter is being replaced.
Radio Tele-Switch (RTS) meters are being replaced with smart meters. Smart meters should give you a similar service to your RTS meter, but they need to be set up properly and you need to choose the right tariff for your needs. You will also get other benefits, including:
- Electricity readings submitted automatically
- Access to ‘smart meter only’ tariffs
- The ability to monitor your energy usage
- Accurate bills based on the electricity you’ve used, not estimates
Your supplier should explain any changes that will happen, for example, if your peak and off-peak times are slightly different.
If you haven't been contacted by your electricity supplier and you’d like a smart meter - contact them and ask for one.
If you can’t get a smart meter
In some instances, your supplier may not be able to offer you a smart meter at the moment.
If this is the case, they must make sure you have a suitable meter installed, and that your service is not disrupted.
You should contact your electricity supplier to understand the options available to you. Please also contact our Asset Management team and we will help you to understand the options available.
Do you need extra help?
We will do all we can to help our tenants who need to switch their RTS meter. We can help explain what you need to do and can advise on electricity tariffs. Just e-mail enquiries@elha.com to get started or call us on 01620 825032.
