Old energy meter switch-off delayed - here’s what you need to know

If you’ve got a Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) energy meter that was due to be shut off at the end of the month and you were starting to worry you might be left without heating or hot water, you can breathe a sigh of relief.

The government has now confirmed that the switch-off of RTS meters will happen more gradually, giving you more time to prepare.

Instead of a hard deadline, there will now be a “cautious and targeted phase-out”, with energy firms contacting affected households well in advance.

What are RTS meters?

RTS meters have been around since the 1980s. They use radio signals to:

• switch your electricity between peak and off-peak rates
• control your heating and hot water

They’ve mainly been used in homes with electric heating or Economy 7 tariffs, and about 314,000 households still rely on them, around a third of which are in Scotland.

But because the technology is now outdated, the system is being phased out and replaced, mostly with smart meters.

Why was there concern?

Fuel poverty campaigners raised serious concerns that energy suppliers wouldn’t replace the meters in time for the original 30 June deadline, potentially leaving households with either:

• no heating or hot water; or
• their heating stuck on constantly, leading to higher bills

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has now acknowledged that the original deadline wasn’t realistic and confirmed there will be no sudden switch-off.

What happens now?

The new plan means:

✅ a phased, region-by-region shutdown
✅ suppliers must contact you in advance to book a meter upgrade
✅ you won’t lose heating or hot water without warning
✅ no automatic price increases because of the change

Energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said thousands of vulnerable customers would now avoid “sudden disruption”, and energy regulator Ofgem confirmed it would be holding suppliers to account.

Campaigners are still calling for a clear roadmap of when different areas will be switched over, and want strong guarantees that no households will face higher costs as a result of the change.

What should I do if I have an RTS meter?

If you still have an old-style RTS meter:

• Wait to hear from your supplier - they should contact you directly when it’s time to upgrade your meter.
• Don’t ignore appointment offers - suppliers are ramping up replacement rates, and smart meters can help you stay on top of your energy usage and bills.
• Contact your supplier if you’re unsure whether you have an RTS meter or want to book a smart meter appointment sooner.