By 30 June 2025, the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) will end. RTS is also known as Dynamic Teleswitch Service (DTS). The switch off will affect energy customers that have an RTS meter in their home, and may mean that their heating and hot water supply stops functioning as normal
What is the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS)?
After over 40 years of operation, the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) will officially end on 30th June 2025. RTS enabled consumers to take advantage of cheaper off-peak tariffs by charging their heating and/or hot water systems up overnight. RTS was introduced in the 1980s, and whilst the RTS infrastructure has remained reliable over the years, it is now reaching the end of its natural operational life.
The Radio Teleswitch Service uses a radio signal to help control and manage certain types of electricity meters. Industry data suggests that we have around 6,000 customers on our supply as of March 2024 that will be impacted by the switch off.
RTS was introduced long before smart meters to help manage load switching on complex meter set-ups such as Economy 7. It's now outdated and is due to be switched off at the end of June 2025, so we need to get you upgraded before this happens.
What do I need to do?
If you have an RTS meter, we will be in touch to arrange a free upgrade to a smart meter. Smart meters are designed to easily manage load switching (when your heating kicks in), so you won't need to worry about this again.
You don't need to do anything until we reach out. Your meter is perfectly safe and there will be no interruption to your power supply until we come and replace your meter.
Can I stay on the same tariff?
Yes, there will be no change to your existing tariff as your new meter will be able to support this. For some customers, we may need to make some minor changes to your peak and off-peak timings, but we will be sure to let you know if this is the case.
Useful links
- Ofgem:- https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/radio-teleswitch-electricity-meters-consumer-guidance
- Citizens Advice:- https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/your-energy-meter/dts-energy-meter/
- Energy Networks Association:- https://www.energynetworks.org/industry/engineering-and-technical-programmes/radio-teleswitch
Last updated: Wed, 6 Mar, 2024 at 10:27 AM
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