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RTS What you need to know
The RTS signal is being turned off on 30th June 2025
What is RTS?
RTS stands for Radio Teleswitching Service, sometimes shortened to just Radio Teleswitching. An RTS meter is a type of electricity meter that was brought in over 40 years ago. It uses radio waves to send signals to your meter, which allows it to switch between two different energy prices at different times of the day.
Do I have RTS?
There are a few ways to check whether you have an RTS meter or not. If you can access your electricity meter, then it might have the words “Radio Teleswitching Service” on it. It will also show two different meter readings – one for daytime, one for night-time.
If you can’t access your meter, then you can have a look at your bill to see whether you are charged two different rates for day and night. Or check your tariff type, to see whether it is Economy 7 or Economy 10.
If you are still unsure, then your energy supplier will be able to tell you whether you rely on an RTS meter, or not.
What happens if I don’t change from RTS?
If you are on an RTS meter and don’t do anything before 30th June 2025, then you will automatically be put onto a standard tariff. This means that you’ll lose your cheaper night rate and, instead, be charged your day rate at all times. This could mean that your night rate will double, or even triple.
Your heating system or water heater may be controlled by your RTS meter, so that it automatically heats up at night. This could mean that once the RTS signal is turned off, your heating system could stop working.
What should I do?
If you have an RTS meter then you need to phone your supplier as soon as possible, to avoid any issues on the switch off date.
You should always contact your supplier using the number that is on your bill. If you receive a letter, email or text message, then you should still phone using the number on your bill or you can call Act on Energy to advise you of the correct number.
What happens after I contact my supplier?
When you call your supplier, they will talk you through your options. The best option is to move to a new meter so that you can control your tariff. If you move to a smart meter, then you will be able to continue on a time-of-use tariff, that will give you cheaper electricity at night. This is particularly beneficial to people who have electric storage heaters or Eco 7 water heaters, because these can be very expensive to run without a cheaper night rate.
Your supplier will also be able to send an engineer to your property to make sure your heating system and water heater won’t be affected by the switch off.
If you have any additional questions, our energy advisors have been trained to talk you through the RTS switch off and how best to deal with it. You can call us for free on 0800 988 2881.
