Nationwide RTS Switch Off. Are you ready!

Radio Timeswitch

The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), a system that has been integral to managing Economy 7 and similar multi-rate electricity tariffs since the 1980s, is scheduled to be permanently switched off on June 30, 2025. This development has significant implications for households still relying on RTS meters, particularly those without updated smart meters.

Understanding RTS and Its Role in Economy 7

RTS meters utilize a radio signal to automatically switch between peak and off-peak electricity rates, facilitating cost savings for consumers who use energy-intensive appliances, such as storage heaters and water heating systems, during off-peak hours. Economy 7 tariffs, for instance, offer cheaper electricity rates during a designated seven-hour night time period, making them advantageous for households that can shift their energy consumption accordingly.

The Impending Switch-Off and Its Consequences

The decision to deactivate the RTS stems from the system reaching the end of its operational life, coupled with the nationwide transition toward more advanced smart metering technologies. Post June 30, 2025, RTS meters will cease to function correctly, leading to potential issues such as:

• Inaccurate Switching: Without the RTS signal, meters may fail to switch between peak and off-peak rates accurately, resulting in higher electricity bills for consumers accustomed to lower nighttime rates.

• Heating and Hot Water Disruptions: Many RTS meters control the activation of electric storage heaters and water heating systems. A malfunction could leave households without essential heating and hot water services.

• Billing Inaccuracies: Energy suppliers might struggle to determine precise energy usage patterns, leading to potential billing errors.

  
  

Identifying If You Have an RTS Meter

Households typically using RTS meters are often in areas without mains gas supply, relying on electric heating solutions. To ascertain if your home is equipped with an RTS meter:

• Inspect Your Meter Setup: Look for a transmitter or a separate teleswitch box adjacent to your electricity meter, often labeled 'Teleswitch.' Some meters may have the radio teleswitch integrated within the same unit, marked as 'radio telemeter.'

• Consult Your Energy Supplier: If uncertain, contact your electricity provider for confirmation.

  
  

Steps to Mitigate the Impact

To avoid the adverse effects of the RTS switch-off, it is crucial to upgrade to a smart meter before the June 2025 deadline. Smart meters offer functionalities similar to RTS meters, including automatic switching between peak and off-peak rates, while providing additional benefits like real-time energy usage monitoring.

• Contact Your Energy Supplier: Suppliers are proactively reaching out to customers with RTS meters to arrange free replacements. If you haven't been contacted, initiate the conversation to schedule an upgrade.

• Assess Tariff Compatibility: Ensure that your new smart meter is configured to maintain your current tariff structure or explore alternative tariffs that align with your energy consumption patterns.

  
  

Challenges in Areas with Limited Connectivity

Some regions, particularly rural or island areas, may face challenges due to limited mobile signal coverage, which is essential for smart meter functionality. In such cases, energy suppliers are responsible for providing suitable alternatives to ensure continuous and accurate energy metering. If your property falls into this category, discuss potential solutions with your supplier to avoid service disruptions.

Conclusion

The deactivation of the RTS marks a significant shift in the UK's energy infrastructure, aiming to modernize and enhance the efficiency of energy consumption monitoring. Households with RTS meters must act promptly to upgrade to smart meters, ensuring uninterrupted service and accurate billing. Proactive engagement with energy suppliers will facilitate a smooth transition, safeguarding access to essential heating and hot water services while optimizing energy costs.