As you may have read in the press, the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), which supports some electric storage heating and hot water system operation, will be turned off on the 30th of June 2025.
To prevent any detrimental impact to customers, Ofgem the energy regulator for Great Britain, expects all energy suppliers to replace all RTS meters by the end date of the 30th of June 2025.
A smart meter can offer a similar service to an RTS meter and if you have not already been contacted, we will be in touch to offer you an upgrade. If we’ve been in touch with you and you’ve not yet booked to have your meter upgraded, it’s important to contact us now to upgrade your meter. You can book an appointment that suits you at scottishpower.co.uk/smartbook or chat to us from 7am-11pm every day.
Find out what you need to know about the RTS switch-off below.
The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) uses a radio signal to help control and manage specific electricity meters when switching between peak and off-peak rates.
While RTS may be used for some traditional multi-rate meters, it was designed to support those who use electricity for their heating and hot water. This may include those who use electric storage systems, panel heaters or immersion heaters in water tanks - some of which charge up overnight.
RTS was introduced in the 1980s and is now reaching the end of its natural life and the equipment can no longer be adequately maintained. The switch-off means that we need to upgrade all RTS meters before then.
If you are not sure if you have an RTS meter, there are a few things you can look out for:
If you’re still unsure if you have an RTS meter, please get in touch with us via webchat or call us on 0345 270 0700.
If you decide not to upgrade your meter it’s important to be aware that your homes’ heating and/or hot water may be affected after the switch-off. You may find that your heating and/or hot water is continually left on or off, or it may charge up at the wrong time of day.
As we won’t be able to confirm how much electricity you have used during peak or off-peak times, your electricity costs could be much higher than before.
To prevent this, it is important to book your smart meter installation when we contact you to offer you an appointment.
If you have an RTS meter, you can book your smart meter upgrade online here.
You can get more information about RTS from the following:
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/your-energy-meter/dts-energy-meter/
https://www.energynetworks.org/industry/engineering-and-technical-programmes/radio-teleswitch
A smart meter will give you a similar service to your RTS meter and we can help find the right tariff for you.
With a smart meter you’ll benefit from:
Last updated: 3 October 2024