Urgent Warning for 150,000 UK Households as Electricity Meter Switch-Off Looms
Nearly 150,000 Britons with obsolete electricity meters are being urgently advised to transition to smart meters ahead of a critical summer deadline, or risk losing control over their heating and hot water systems. The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), an aging infrastructure introduced in the 1980s, is scheduled for permanent deactivation later this year, prompting a final push from energy suppliers and regulators.
Phased Shutdown Resumes After Winter Pause
The carefully managed phase-out process, which involves switching off the RTS signal for customer groups incrementally, will recommence in March for England and Wales, followed by Scotland in April. This follows a temporary winter hiatus implemented to prevent disruptions during the coldest months, ensuring households maintained essential heating services. Since January 2025, over 300,000 RTS meters have been successfully replaced, but as of late January 2026, approximately 154,000 remain operational, with only 8,000 replacement appointments currently booked with energy suppliers.
Energy UK, in collaboration with consumer groups and the regulator Ofgem, is urging the remaining 146,000 RTS customers to promptly schedule an engineer visit with their supplier. Failure to act could result in loss of heating and hot water functionality or incorrect energy billing, potentially leading to higher costs. Ned Hammond, Deputy Director of Policy (Customers) at Energy UK, emphasised: "Suppliers have been working hard to deliver a carefully managed phase out of the RTS signal and have replaced more than 300,000 RTS meters in the last year. The final switch off is now imminent, and we're expecting a rush for appointments in this final stage."
Risks of Outdated Infrastructure and Benefits of Smart Meters
The RTS system, which uses a long-range radio signal to toggle between peak and off-peak rates, relies on equipment that is now outdated and increasingly prone to unplanned failures. This elevates the risk of service interruptions for homes and businesses. In most cases, RTS meters will be replaced with smart meters, which offer similar automatic rate switching capabilities while providing access to a broader range of tariffs. Energy suppliers are not charging for meter replacements and can advise on suitable tariffs for individual heating setups.
Technical solutions are available for all households and businesses, including those in remote or hard-to-reach locations. Customers concerned about energy debt or payment difficulties are encouraged to discuss options with their suppliers. To identify if you have an RTS meter, consider the following indicators:
- You have received communications from your electricity supplier regarding an RTS meter.
- A switch box near your energy meter is labelled "Radio Teleswitch" or "RTS."
- You use electric or storage heaters.
- You reside in an area without a gas supply, such as rural locations or certain flats.
- You benefit from cheaper energy at specific times, such as with Economy 7, Economy 10, or Total Heat Total Control tariffs.
For further details, consumers can refer to Ofgem's dedicated RTS webpage on replacing Radio Teleswitch electricity meters. Proactive booking of appointments is crucial to avoid any adverse impacts on domestic comfort and billing accuracy as the summer deadline approaches.
