By June 2025 the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) will end as it is reaching the end of its operational life and new technologies are available to replace the system.
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. When the RTS ends in June 2025 your heating system may no longer function in this way.
Energy suppliers have until 30 June 2025 to replace all meters with smart meters replicating a similar function. Your supplier should contact you before this date or you can reach out to them 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’
- Electricity Meter with an RTS blackbox
- Electricity Meter with a built in RTS component
Images from the Citizens Advice website where you can find more information on this topic.
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.
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 you by the deadline on 30th June 2025. If your supplier is not able to arrange an appointment by this deadline your heating and hot water provision can be affected.
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 part and find out how you can save energy at home get in touch to arrange an appointment.
Our energy advisors can be contacted by:
- Calling 01592 807930
- Texting COSY then YOUR NAME to 88440
- Emailing info@cosykingdom.org.uk
- Request advice online
- On our social media pages