Stuart Anderson MP has launched a call to action ahead of the Radio Teleswitch Service switch-off in the summer. The radio signal that controls older electricity meters is being switched off from 30th June 2025.
650,000 people in Great Britain have electricity meters using the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS). RTS uses a radio signal to tell some older electricity meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates.
Introduced in the 1980s, the RTS has reached the end of its operational life. The equipment that produces the radio signal can no longer be adequately maintained and consumes a lot of electricity compared to modern communications networks.
From 31st July 2025, RTS meters may no longer function properly. This could cause disruption to heating and hot water supplies for households and businesses. This means that premises using the technology could end up with higher bills.
This will particularly impact vulnerable households, which have already been affected by recent increases to the Energy Price Cap in October 2024 and January 2025, respectively.
The change is due to disproportionately affect rural areas without gas supplies. Only 42% of households in South Shropshire use main gas central heating, compared to 73% nationally.
In response, Stuart has called on Ministers to accelerate a programme to upgrade meters in rural areas and increase support for communities that cannot yet access the smart meter communications network.
He added that Ministers must ensure continued access to affordable energy - by making sure consumers are transferred to a similar or improved tariff as part of the upgrade programme.
In his call to action, Stuart has also urged residents to check whether they have an RTS electricity meter. As outlined in his Energy Saver's Guide, it is likely that they will do if there is a separate switch box near their meter with a RTS label on it.
RTS electricity meters are often located in properties that lack a gas supply and use electricity for heating. This could include properties heated using electric storage systems, panel heaters, or immersion heaters.
Energy regulator Ofgem expects all energy suppliers to replace RTS meters before the service ends. Residents who have RTS equipment in their business or home should book an appointment for a new meter if they have not already been contacted.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"Ensuring access to affordable energy is a key priority of mine. So, I am concerned that the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) Switch-Off could disproportionately impact vulnerable households in rural communities. Just 42% of households in South Shropshire use main gas central heating, compared to 73% nationally. Not replacing an RTS electricity meter could lead to higher electricity costs. So, I am calling on those who have an electricity meter to check whether it uses the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) before it is switched off in June. Energy suppliers can confirm whether residents have an RTS electricity meter and book an appointment to install a new one. I have also called on Ministers to accelerate upgrades in rural areas, ensuring consumers are only transferred to either a similar or improved tariff. They must also increase support for those that cannot yet access the smart meter communications network. More information is included in my Energy Saver's Guide, which aims to help residents find the latest information to save money on their energy bills."
For more information, residents are being urged to contact their energy supplier and ensure a smooth transition before the 30th June 2025 deadline. Further details can be obtained from Ofgem's website here.
