The Radio Teleswitch Switch-off

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By June 2025 the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) will start to be phased out as it reaches the end of its operational life and new technologies are available to replace the system.

There will no longer be a mass switch off taking place on 30th June. Instead from this date the RTS system will be phased our by area for a small number of homes at a time. You will be informed directly when the switch-off is taking place in your area.

Radio Teleswitches are a type of electricity meter which receives a radio signal to tell a meter when to switch between on-peak and off-peak rates. In Fife, you are most likely to have a Radio Teleswitch meter if you have or have had electric storage heaters in the past and are or have been supplied by Scottish Power. You may be on a tariff known as Comfortplus or have a meter with 2 or 3 different rates.

The Radio Teleswitch will tell your storage heaters when to begin charging and your immersion heater when to turn on during off-peak periods. You will need a smart meter to replace the RTS functionality went he service ends.

Energy suppliers will replace all meters with smart meters replicating a similar function as part of the phase out. Your supplier should contact you when your area is affected. You can reach out to them directly anytime to request an upgrade.

 

How do I know if I have an RTS Meter?

To identify if you have an RTS meter there are a few things you can do:

  • There may be a separate teleswitch box near your meter with a “radio teleswitch”  or “telemeter” label on it
  • Your home has or has in the past had electric storage heating
  • You have cheaper energy at different times of the day
  • Speak to your energy supplier to confirm if you have an RTS meter

A teleswitch will either be a large, usually black, box near your meter. You may also have a large grey meter with blue and orange buttons. There is likely to be a label saying ‘teleswitch meter’

 

How do I upgrade?

You will need to upgrade to a smart meter to keep the same functionality. Your supplier should have already been in touch, but if not you can contact them to request an upgrade. Your supplier will be able to discuss tariff options with you.

Sometimes your new smart meter may not work identically, but should provide similar functionality. Your supplier can explain the differences to you.

 

I can’t get a smart meter, or don’t want one

Some areas or buildings with a poor phone signal may not be suitable for smart meters. You may be able to access a special type of smart meter that operates offline and has pre-set times for switching between on-peak and off-peak rates.

If you do not want a smart meter for other reasons, you should speak to your supplier to see if this is an option. If they cannot provide this option you may end up paying more for your energy. You could also consider other options such as upgrading your heating system.

Find out more about smart meters in our guide.

 

What happens if I don’t upgrade?

Your heating and hot water provision is likely to be affected if you don’t upgrade your meter as part of the phase out.

Some storage heaters are switched on and off by the RTS meter so you may find that your heating is left continually on or off or that charging happens at the wrong time of day. Your electricity costs may be much higher due to the meter not recording on the correct rate. The supplier won’t be able to adjust your bills without a meter upgrade.

 

My supplier can’t upgrade me to a smart meter yet

Your supplier has a responsibility to upgrade your meter.

Take a look at our dealing with your energy supplier guide for suggestions on how to escalate this issue.

You can also get in touch with our energy advisors who may be able to offer assistance.

 

Other resources

You can learn more about Radio Teleswitches on the links below:

https://www.energynetworks.org/industry/engineering-and-technical-programmes/radio-teleswitch

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/your-energy-meter/dts-energy-meter/

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/replacing-your-radio-teleswitch-electricity-meter

https://www.scottishpower.co.uk/energy-efficiency/smart-meters/rts-meters

Get advice

Cosy Kingdom provides free & impartial energy advice to anyone living within Fife. If you’d like to speak to an advisor about your RTS meter get in touch on the details below.

Our energy advisors can be contacted by: