Your old meter needs to be replaced
The Radio Teleswitch Service is being switched off
As of 30 June 2026, the final RTS (Radio Teleswitch Service) switch-off has completed, and all radio transmitters have been permanently turned off.
These radio transmitters are used by some older electricity meters to switch between peak and off-peak registers and control heating and/or hot water.
This industry wide switch-off means that across the UK, RTS meters and teleswitches are no longer receiving signals to switch between peak and off-peak times, or to control heating and hot water systems.
Meters affected by the switch-off will remain on supply, but they will no longer switch to lower rates, and heating or hot water may fail to turn on automatically.
What do I need to do?
If we’ve been in touch to replace your electricity meter due to the RTS switch-off and it hasn’t been done, or the switch-off has affected your supply, call our metering partner, Calisen Metering, on 0333 220 5441
Will my costs be affected?
There won’t be any change to your prices. However, for some people, there may be a small change to your peak and off-peak rate timings when you upgrade to new meters; otherwise you shouldn’t notice a change. Your new off-peak times will be 11pm to 7am (GMT).
The great news is…
A modern meter means more benefits for you.
Smart meters provide automatic meter readings, saving you time and effort every month.
Automated readings means you’re billed more accurately, without estimates.
You’ll be offered a free smart meter display, making it super easy to understand your energy.
If you pay by prepayment topping up credit is much easier from your phone, computer or in any PayPoint store.
Want to know more?
You can find more information about the signal switch-off on Ofgem’s website, the energy regulator.
Upgrade for free
Book your upgrade online or call our metering partner, Calisen Metering, on 0333 220 5441.
Frequently asked questions
The Radio Teleswitch System (RTS) was a system that was created to help with the control and management of electricity meters that had special tariffs, such as Economy 7. It operated via long-wave radio signals, and allowed remote switching of large numbers of devices, for example between day or night rates or to automatically turn on and off heating or hot water.
A meter that worked using the Radio Teleswitch System. The electricity meter was fitted with a device that picks up the RTS signal and controls the time switching features on the meter.
If your old RTS meter wasn’t replaced before the RTS infrastructure was switched-off, the heating and/or hot water provisions in your home or business may have been affected.
For example, you may now find that your heating and/or hot water is continually left on or off, or storage heater charging-up happens at the wrong time of day. And we can’t confirm how much electricity you’ve used during peak or off-peak times, which means your electricity costs may be much higher than before.
Economy 7 tariffs are fully supported by all suppliers that provide them, including Utility Warehouse, and there are no plans to change that. But it’s important you upgrade to a modern meter to make sure your peak and off-peak timings change correctly.
If you no longer need a multi-rate meter (for example, your storage heaters were replaced by gas central heating) you can get in touch to discuss your options. For example, it may make sense for you to move to an unrestricted timing.
Yes, if you have a Radio Teleswitch meter you may still have been affected. We recommend upgrading to a modern meter as the meter is probably reaching the end of its life and the certification may be expiring soon.
As a bonus, for some people, removing the old meter could mean you no longer need a secondary supply.
As the RTS service has now completely switched off, there is no alternative to ensure your heating and hot water work correctly with your meter than smart.
Yes, if you have a Radio Teleswitch meter it may still affect you. We recommend upgrading to a modern meter as the meter is probably reaching the end of its life and the certification may be expiring soon.
As a bonus, for some people, removing the old meter could mean you no longer need a secondary supply.