RTS Meters Have Now Been Switched Off

Here’s What It Means for You

If your home or business uses electric heating or hot water systems that rely on off-peak tariffs such as Economy 7 or Economy 10, you may have already noticed some changes in how your system is working.

That’s because, as of June 2025, the Radio Teleswitch (RTS) service was officially switched off across Great Britain. This long-running system automatically switched certain meters between day and night tariffs, but the signal has now been permanently decommissioned.

What’s Happened

RTS meters were originally introduced over 40 years ago to help customers take advantage of cheaper electricity at night. They worked by using a national radio signal to control storage heaters, immersion heaters and other off-peak appliances.

Now that this system has been turned off, RTS meters no longer receive the control signal, which means they may:

• Stop switching between off-peak and standard rates

• Lose control of heating and hot water timing

• Remain on continuously, wasting energy

• Stop functioning altogether

If your property has experienced higher electricity bills, heating that stays on, or water that no longer heats overnight, your RTS meter may be the cause.

How to Tell If You’re Affected

You may still have an RTS meter if:

• You have storage heaters, immersion heaters or electric-only heating

• You’re (or were) on an Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariff

• There’s a “Radio Teleswitch” unit near your main meter

• You’ve noticed unusual changes to your heating or hot water since the summer

If any of these apply, it’s likely that your system has been affected by the RTS shutdown.

What You Should Do Now

If your property still has an RTS meter, your energy supplier will need to replace it with a modern smart meter or an approved alternative.

At Datel Electrical, we can make sure your heating and hot water systems are fully compatible with your new setup. Older controls, timers and circuits may not work correctly once the RTS service has ended, so a professional inspection is recommended.

How Datel Electrical Can Help

We’re already helping homeowners and landlords across Devon and Cornwall who have been affected by the RTS switch-off.

Our qualified engineers can:

• Inspect and test your electrical heating and hot water systems

• Upgrade or rewire immersion timeclocks and off-peak circuits

• Install Dimplex Quantum high heat retention storage heaters for improved efficiency

• Advise on smart metering compatibility and controls

• Ensure your system remains safe, compliant and cost-effective

Don’t Leave It Unchecked

If your heating or hot water isn’t working as it should, or your bills have increased unexpectedly, it’s important to have your system assessed. The RTS service is no longer active, and your property may need a small upgrade to keep everything running efficiently.

We’re here to help ensure your home or business stays warm, safe and energy-efficient throughout the winter.