Why you need to replace your energy meter before next summer

More than 800,000 homes will need their energy meters replaced before 30 June 2025, when the BBC’s Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) will be switched off.

Find out what this means for you.

What is the Radio Teleswitch Service?

The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) works by broadcasting a signal over the long wave channel for BBC Radio 4.

It allows energy meters to operate on multi-rate tariffs, such as Economy 7 or Economy 10, which charge different rates depending on the time of day, helping you save on your energy bills.

But here's the catch: this service is about to be switched off, meaning you’ll no longer have the signal telling your meter to change fees.

Why the switch-off matters

The impending switch-off could have a number of negative impacts, including:

• increased energy bills as households lose access to cheaper rates
• some may find themselves without heating or hot water
• others could be stuck with their heating on, unable to turn it off

Essentially, if you have an RTS meter, you could be in for a rude awakening come next summer. The best way to avoid these problems is to upgrade to a smart meter – the only way to keep an Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariff.

What’s being done?

To tackle this issue, energy suppliers, the government, and consumer groups have teamed up to ensure a smooth transition for those affected.

The collaboration has resulted in  ten major energy companies – including British Gas, EDF and E.ON – commit to replacing RTS meters before the switch-off.

Key actions from energy suppliers

At the current rate, it could take until 2028 for all upgrades to be completed – more than three years after the deadline.

The industry has promised a collective effort to:

• focus on regional ‘hot spots’ with the highest number of RTS customers
• fast-track upgrades for vulnerable individuals
• share knowledge to solve any technical problems that arise
• provide monthly updates on the number of meters replaced
• consider further action if necessary

Do you have an RTS meter?

Knowing whether you have an RTS meter is essential. Here’s how to tell:

• Look for a switch box labelled ‘Radio Teleswitch’ next to your meter.
• Some meters have the RTS switch box integrated within them as a single unit.

If you’re still unsure, simply give your energy supplier a call. They should be able to quickly confirm the type of meter you have .

What happens next?

Energy companies have been in touch with customers about the upcoming switch-off since 2023.

Under new plans, they will contact all RTS customers by 31 December 2024, to explain why an upgrade is necessary and to offer appointment slots for the installation of smart meters.

Don’t worry, you won’t be expected to pay for any upgrades.

The process is fairly straightforward; it typically takes around two hours to upgrade an RTS meter.

However, some cases may require more than one visit from an engineer, especially in rural areas or on islands where access can be tricky.

Pros and cons of switching to a smart meter

So, why should you make the switch? Here are a few benefits:

• Smart meters automatically send readings to your energy supplier, so you won't need to do it manually.
• Your bills will be more accurate, based on actual usage rather than estimates.
• You can easily track your energy consumption throughout the day and night.
• An in-home display will help you see your energy usage and costs in real-time.

Plus, if you switch to a smart meter, you can still opt for flexible electricity tariffs, including Economy 7. This means you can continue to save on your energy bills even after the RTS switch-off.

But there are worries about privacy when it comes to how data from smart meters is handled.

Energy companies assure us that only they have access to your data, and that it can't be shared with anyone else without your consent, while Energy UK mentions that the companies your supplier works with might be allowed to see the information gathered from your meter.

Additionally, if someone struggles to keep up with energy bills, they could be switched to prepayment meters remotely, which might lead to their energy being cut off.

Some users have also experienced technical problems.

Act soon, not later

If you rely on an RTS meter, it’s important to act quickly and get your meter upgraded to a smart meter rather than leaving until the last minute.

By taking action now, you can help ensure that you’re not left in the dark when the switch-off happens next summer.