Last reviewed: June 2026 | Source: Ofgem / Energy UK / Age UK
TL;DR- The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) uses a long-wave radio signal to switch older electricity meters between peak and off-peak rates, controlling Economy 7 heating and hot water systems.
- RTS is being switched off in stages from June 2025 because the BBC is ending long-wave radio transmissions and the underlying technology is being decommissioned.
- Homes still using RTS meters when the service ends will lose automatic switching, meaning heating and hot water may stop working correctly and electricity bills could rise.
- Smart meter upgrades are available free of charge from all electricity suppliers -- contact your supplier to book.
- As of May 2025, approximately 314,935 UK homes still had RTS meters that needed replacing.
Key Facts
●Switch-off started: 30 June 2025 (phased, ongoing into 2026)
●Homes affected (May 2025): 314,935 (Ofgem data)
●Cost of smart meter upgrade: free from your electricity supplier
●Tariffs affected: Economy 7, Economy 10, Total Heat Total Control
●Reason for switch-off: BBC ending long-wave radio; Arqiva decommissioning transmitters
●Regulator: Ofgem -- suppliers obligated to provide replacement meters
What Is an RTS Meter
A Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter is a type of electricity meter that receives a long-wave radio signal from a transmitter network operated by Arqiva. The signal tells the meter when to switch between peak and off-peak electricity rates, enabling tariffs such as Economy 7, Economy 10 and Total Heat Total Control. These tariffs provide cheaper electricity overnight, which is used to charge electric storage heaters, heat water in immersion tanks, or power other overnight appliances.
RTS meters were introduced in the 1980s and were widely fitted in homes that relied on electric heating rather than gas, particularly in rural areas, high-rise flats, and off-gas-grid properties. The meter typically has a separate switch box near it with a Radio Teleswitch label. Properties using electric storage heaters, panel heaters or immersion heaters are most likely to have an RTS meter.
Why Is RTS Being Switched Off
The RTS switch-off is happening because the BBC has confirmed it is ending long-wave radio broadcast services, and Arqiva is decommissioning the long-wave transmitter infrastructure. The RTS signal piggybacks on long-wave radio frequencies. Once those transmitters are shut down, the RTS signal can no longer be broadcast, making the switch-off unavoidable.
This is not a commercial decision by energy companies -- it is a consequence of the wider retirement of long-wave radio technology in the UK. Ofgem and the energy industry have been managing the transition, with all electricity suppliers required to contact affected customers and offer smart meter upgrades before the switch-off reaches their meter.
What Happens If You Still Have an RTS Meter After Switch-Off
When the RTS signal is switched off to a particular meter, it will no longer receive the signal that tells it to switch between peak and off-peak rates. This can cause several problems. Electric storage heaters and immersion heaters may stop switching on overnight as programmed, meaning they fail to charge up during the cheaper off-peak period and the home may be cold or without hot water. In some cases the meter may default to a single rate, meaning all electricity is charged at the standard (peak) rate, significantly increasing bills. In other cases the meter may behave unpredictably.
Ofgem requires electricity suppliers to ensure customers are not left without a functioning meter. If a supplier is unable to install a smart meter before the RTS signal is switched off to a customer's address, the supplier must make alternative arrangements to maintain the customer's service.
How to Check If You Have an RTS Meter
Several signs suggest a property may have an RTS meter: there is a separate switch box near the electricity meter labelled Radio Teleswitch or RTS; the property uses electric storage heaters, panel heaters or an electric immersion heater for hot water; the property has no gas supply; the electricity tariff is Economy 7, Economy 10, Total Heat Total Control or a similar multi-rate tariff; or electricity bills show two different unit rates for day and night usage.
If unsure, contact your electricity supplier and ask them to check whether the meter at your address is an RTS meter. Suppliers have been required to identify and contact all affected customers.
How to Get a Free Smart Meter Upgrade
Smart meters are the only technical replacement for RTS meters, as they can be programmed to replicate the off-peak switching function without needing a radio signal. All electricity suppliers are obligated to offer smart meter upgrades free of charge to customers with RTS meters. To book an upgrade, contact your electricity supplier directly by phone or through their online portal and request a smart meter installation. If your supplier has not yet contacted you, proactively request the upgrade as soon as possible.
Customers in hard-to-reach properties, such as high-rise flats or rural locations, should also contact their supplier -- some installations are more complex but suppliers remain obligated to find a solution. Where a smart meter cannot be installed for technical reasons, the supplier must provide a suitable alternative meter.
Will Economy 7 and Economy 10 Continue After RTS Switch-Off
Yes. Economy 7, Economy 10 and similar time-of-use tariffs continue after the RTS switch-off. Smart meters can deliver the same off-peak switching function using the communications network (DCC) rather than a radio signal. Customers who upgrade to a smart meter should ensure their supplier sets up the meter to operate on their existing tariff with the correct overnight off-peak periods. In most cases this is done automatically during the installation, but it is worth confirming with the installer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RTS meter switch-off date?
The RTS switch-off began on 30 June 2025 and is happening in phases throughout 2025 and 2026. Different meters are being switched off at different times depending on the supplier and location. Contact your electricity supplier to find out when your meter is scheduled for switch-off.
Will my heating stop working when RTS is switched off?
It may do if your meter has not been upgraded to a smart meter before the switch-off reaches your address. Electric storage heaters and immersion heaters controlled by the off-peak signal may stop switching on overnight. Book a free smart meter upgrade with your electricity supplier as soon as possible to avoid disruption.
Is the smart meter upgrade really free?
Yes. All electricity suppliers are required by Ofgem to offer smart meter upgrades free of charge to customers with RTS meters. There is no cost to the customer for the meter, installation or any associated work in standard cases.
Can a smart meter replace an RTS meter for Economy 7?
Yes. Smart meters can be programmed to switch between peak and off-peak rates in the same way as RTS meters, using the national smart meter communications network instead of a radio signal. Economy 7 and Economy 10 tariffs are available with smart meters from most suppliers.
