On the 30th June the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) is coming to an end. This means businesses currently using an RTS meter to access favourable rates for their electricity will need to upgrade to avoid any interruptions to their energy supplies.
This blog gives you a brief introduction to what an RTS meter is, help you figure out if you could be affected by the change-over and what steps you need to take to avoid any disruption.
What is an RTS meter and what does it do?
In short, the Radio Teleswitch Service Meter (RTS) is a device that uses radio signal to make energy meters to switch between peak and off-peak rates. It is giving customers more dynamic metering offering better prices for high energy users, particularly those who rely on electricity for heating and hot water or other energy intensive processes.
Why is RTS being switched off?
The RTS system which was first launched in the 1980s has now reached the end of its operational life and becoming obsolete, meaning the equipment sending out the signal is no longer able to be maintained. As a result, any existing meters still in operation will need replacing to a more modern alternative. There are around 900,000 meters still in operation in the UK before the shut down on 30 June 2025.
How do I know if my electricity meter uses RTS?
There are a few ways you can check if your electricity meter uses RTS. Oftentimes those with RTS have a black box installed near the main energy meter, labelled ‘radio teleswitch’– however the best way to check is by looking at your current energy contract or reaching out to your energy supplier.
Your electricity meter is likely to have RTS if:
- You have storage heaters
- Heat water using electricity
- Do not have gas supply in your area
- Get different electricity rates depending on the time of day
Your electricity meter won’t have RTS if:
- You have a smart meter
- You don’t get different electricity rates depending on the time of day
How can I upgrade my RTS meter?
The easiest way to upgrade your energy meter to one that doesn’t use the Radio Teleswitch Service is to reach out to your current energy supplier. They should be making contact with affected customers, but if you haven’t heard from your supplier yet make sure you reach out to check if you are eligible for a smart meter installation.
How can a smart meter support my business?
By changing over to a smart meter ahead of the RTS switch off will not only ensure there are no disruptions to your supply, but it also allows you to continue accessing the lower off-peak rates. A smart meter can also provide better insight into your energy consumption ensuring bills are charged based on actual energy usage and allows you to budget more efficiently. It can also help provide insights into when and how your business is using energy helping to reduce energy waste and lower costs.
If you have any questions about what the RTS switch off means for your business or want advice on how to get the best rates for your business, please contact our Utilities and Contract Management team on 02476698885.