Home advice and improvements

Important notice

The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) has now been switched off. If you still have an RTS meter, it will no longer receive the signal that controls aspects of your electricity, heating and hot water. Please check your meter and contact your energy provider if there is a problem.

What is the Radio Teleswitch Service

The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) is a system that uses radio signals to control certain older electricity meters, allowing them to switch between peak and off-peak rates. This service has been phased out.

If you have an RTS meter, it will need to be replaced with a smart meter to avoid disruptions to your electricity supply, heating, or hot water.

Why did it change?

The RTS system, introduced in the 1980s, was reaching the end of its operational life and could no longer be maintained.

How will it affect you?

Without the RTS signal, your meter may stop functioning properly, leading to incorrect billing or issues with heating and hot water.

What to do if your meter has not been changed yet:

1.  Check if you have received a letter from your energy provider. Some suppliers are actively reaching out to affected customers.
2.  Check if you have a Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter. If you are unsure whether you have an RTS meter, look for a separate switch box near your meter labelled “Radio Teleswitch” or contact your supplier to confirm.
3.  Contact your electricity supplier to arrange for a free smart meter upgrade.

An image of a Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter to help identify one in your home