Warning over wrongly registered RTS electric meters 

The technology behind an older type of electricity meter is due to be switched off from the end of June, which could cause disruption to some Plymouth residents.   

We are concerned not all residents are aware of the switchover – and that some meters have been incorrectly registered, meaning energy suppliers may be unaware they need replacing.  

Radio Teleswitch Meters, known as RTS meters, are older kind of electricity meter that use a radio signal to switch between different electricity rates, and sometimes also control heating and hot water systems. The radio signal controlling RTS meters will be closed down at the end of June, meaning they will no longer work properly.  

PEC Energy Advisor Liam said:  

“It’s important RTS meters are upgraded urgently, to avoid some consumer appliances failing to function normally after the switchover date. For residents on an Economy 7 tariff this could mean your meter stops changing between cheaper night-time rates (off-peak) and more expensive daytime (on peak) rates, potentially costing you more.”  

Whilst energy suppliers are obliged to replace RTS meters, PEC advisors have seen a worrying number of cases where RTS meters have been wrongly registered by suppliers as different sorts of meters, meaning energy firms haven’t contacted clients to arrange replacements to be installed.  

Liam added:  

“RTS meters are not that common, we believe there are around 700 RTS meters in Plymouth homes that will need replacing. However, the fact that we are seeing cases of wrongly registered RTS meters is worrying and means there may be more properties out there who could be affected by this than energy suppliers think.”  

“We are encouraging residents to check their electric meter this week to identify if it may be an RTS meter and contact your energy supplier if you believe you have an RTS meter, so they can arrange a replacement meter to be installed as soon as possible.”  

“You may have already been contacted by your supplier, if so, you need arrange a suitable date for your supplier to come and upgrade your meter, and this should be free of charge.”  

You may have an RTS meter if:  

• your home has a separate switch box near your meter with a “Radio Teleswitch” label on it 
• your home is heated using electricity or storage heaters 
• there is no gas supply to your area, including in high-rise flats 
• you get cheaper energy at different times of day, for example, you might be on an Economy 7, Economy 10, or Total Heat Total Control tariff. 

You can find out more about the RTS meter switchover from OFGEM: Replacing your Radio Teleswitch electricity meter | Ofgem  

Further update: 20th June:

The 30th of June was the originally scheduled date for RTS shutdown. But the Government has now confirmed that the RTS meter switch off will be done through a 'phased area-by-area shut down beginning on 30 June,' rather than a nationwide switch-off. It has said you'll be contacted when the switch down is happening in your area. 

While this means some RTS meters could continue to work after 30 June, we recommend that if you think you have an RTS meter you should get in touch with your supplier as soon as possible to replace your meter and avoid any issues later.

Get in touch with PEC to get more help.