Landlords urged to upgrade RTS meters before June 2025

A new campaign urges landlords and owners of Radio Teleswitch (RTS) electricity meters to accept meter upgrades from their energy suppliers urgently.

The campaign, launched by a taskforce including Ofgem and Energy UK, aims to increase the rate of RTS meter upgrades before the radio signal is switched off on June 30 2025.

RTS meters, introduced in the 1980s, use radio signals to switch between peak and off-peak rates.

However, the signal and supporting infrastructure will be shut down next year.

We urge landlords to respond

The chief executive of Energy Action Scotland, Frazer Scott, said: ”It is vitally important that awareness of the Radio Teleswitch shutdown is raised both quickly and widely as for decades it has provided controls that provide heat and hot water to homes across Scotland with electric heating.

“When it does stop, people could be left without heat or be powerless to prevent bills from spiralling if their heating stays on.”

He added: “We urge everyone, customers, landlords and local, regional and national charities to respond to the campaign to ensure that no individual and no household is left without and at risk.”

TV presenter Lorraine Kelly explains what the RTS service is and how households and businesses can identify if they have an RTS meter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba_bxM_x9Gw&ab_channel=Ofgem

Explains the RTS service

The campaign will run across various channels, including TV, radio and billboards, featuring TV presenter Lorraine Kelly who explains the RTS service and its potential consequences.

Customers should contact their supplier as soon as they are contacted.

Meter replacements come at no extra cost, and customers should be wary of scams.

To help, landlords can recognise an RTS meter if there is a switch box near the energy meter labelled Radio Teleswitch, have electric or storage heaters, have no gas supply to your area, or have an Economy 7, Economy 10 or Total Heat Total Control tariff.

Ageing electric heating systems

Danni Barnes, the director of development and partnerships at National Energy Action, said: “Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters are often used with ageing electric heating systems, which are more common in areas experiencing severe fuel poverty.

“The switch-off could exacerbate costs for households already struggling and result in households losing control of their heating and hot water.

“In the worst cases, some may not be able to use their heating or hot water at all.”

She adds: “It is crucial for anyone with a RTS meter to contact their supplier urgently to get their meter changed.

“Equally important is supporting people within our communities who may lack the confidence to do this on their own.”

For more information visit the dedicated RTS webpage.