Massive number of households face potential energy disruptions starting June 2025 due to the switch-off of outdated energy meters.
🎉 Heads up U.K. homies! 300k homes are facing the chill this summer if you ain't switched from those antique RTS meters by June 30, 2025. Yep, you heard it right, no more heating or hot water!
With energy costs biting harder than a hungry grizzly, the pressure's on for families to ditch their ancient RTS meters and upgrade to smart ones – the only compatible replacements out there.
Energy bigwigs and suppliers are urging a quick shift to beat the disruption. So listen up and don't be left out in the cold!
What's the Skinny on RTS?
The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) is a vintage system that allows energy providers to switch customers between peak and off-peak electricity rates using radio signals. Perfect for homes relying on electric storage heaters, panel heaters, or immersion heaters, RTS has let folks enjoy cheaper electricity during off-peak hours.
However, the tech's seen better days, and it's high time for a change as the equipment supporting it can no longer be adequately maintained, leading to its scheduled shutdown on 30 June 2025. Mark your calendars!
🤔 Don't know if you've got an RTS meter? Here's what to look for:
- A separate switch box near your meter labeled "Radio Teleswitch."
- Your home is heated using electricity or storage heaters.
- No gas supply to your area.
- You're on a time-of-use tariff, such as Economy 7, Economy 10, or Total Heat Total Control.
Should you find yourself unsure, shoot your electricity supplier a message – they can sort out your meter type and set up an upgrade, if necessary.
Time to Get Smart with Smart Meters
As of early 2025, around 600,000 households in Great Britain were still counting on those ancient RTS meters. Here's the lowdown on why it's high time to make the jump:
Smart meters are the only game in town as they can do the tricks RTS can, but with a lot more sizzle. In addition to real-time energy usage data, smart meters eliminate the hassle of manual readings and offer access to a wider range of tariffs.
The Great Migration
Ofgem, the energy regulator, is teaming up with energy suppliers and consumer groups to raise awareness and promote a smooth transition to smart meters. A task force has been established to coordinate the effort, prioritize vulnerable customers, and manage a hassle-free switch.
Energy suppliers are getting in touch with affected customers to schedule smart meter installations and are tackling the upgrade at no extra cost. Enjoy peace of mind, knowing tariffs are expected to be comparable to your current setup!
- To beat the energy disruption caused by the radiotele switch service (RTS) shutdown in 2025, consider upgrading from your old meters to smart ones that are compatible replacements, offering a wider range of benefits.
- The pressure on families is growing, as energy costs are increasing rapidly; ditching the antique RTS meters and opting for smart ones is a crucial step towards more efficient energy usage.
- As the RTS technology is wearing out, it's time to switch to smart meters, which not only provide real-time energy data but also eliminate the need for manual readings and grant access to a wider variety of energy tariffs.
- Considering the scheduled shutdown of the RTS system in 2025, it's essential to inspect your home for RTS meters, looking for a separate switch box near your meter, electric or storage heaters for home heating, and a time-of-use tariff like Economy 7, Economy 10, or Total Heat Total Control.
- To successfully make the transition from RTS to smart meters, the energy industry, suppliers, and consumer groups – like Ofgem – are collaborating on a task force to prioritize vulnerable customers, manage a smooth switch, and minimize disruption.
- Energy suppliers will be contacting affected customers to arrange smart meter installations at no extra cost, offering peace of mind knowing that tariffs are expected to be comparable to your current setup.
- In light of the rising energy costs and the upcoming RTS shutdown, consider consulting with your energy business to guide you through the process of upgrading to a smart meter, ensuring a more energy-efficient and cost-effective home setup.
