The Radio Teleswitch Service Switch-off: what you need to know

Immediate action required.

The remaining RTS meters in Scotland are being switched off from April 2026. If you still have an RTS meter, you need to act immediately.

What is the Radio Teleswitch Service, and what is it used for?

The phase out of the Radio Teleswitch signal started on 30 June 2025. The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) uses a radio signal to tell some older electricity meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates. RTS is used for some traditional multi-rate meters and was designed to support those who use electricity for their heating and hot water. This may include those who use electric storage systems, panel heaters or immersion heaters in water tanks – some of which typically charge up overnight.

Energy suppliers will begin phasing out groups of RTS meters. Everyone who has an RTS meter will not be switched off at the same time. This approach will mean that energy suppliers are able to manage and fix any problems that may come up during this process.

The next steps

If you have an RTS meter your energy supplier should have contacted you to arrange an appointment to upgrade your electricity meter. This should be done as soon as possible to avoid losing heating or hot water during the phase out. Energy suppliers must follow the rules in their licence as part of the phase-out process. If you are not happy with the support your energy supplier is giving you to replace your Radio Teleswitch meter you can complain about your energy supplier.

Get details about replacing your radio teleswitch electricity meter.

How to find out if you’ve got an RTS meter

If you’re not sure whether you have an RTS meter, there are a few things you can look out for:

  • there may be a separate switch box near your meter with a radio teleswitch label on it
  • your property is heated using electricity or storage heaters
  • there is no gas supply to your area. This includes households in rural areas and high-rise flats
  • you get cheaper energy at different times of day. Your tariff might be: Economy 7, Economy 10 or Total Heat Total Control.

If you’re unsure if you have RTS equipment, contact your electricity supplier who will be able to confirm for you.

Will I be able to stay on the same tariff I am on now?

Your supplier will be able to tell you which tariffs are available to you. They should offer a tariff that is suitable for the hot water and/or heating set up in your home.

If you think you have RTS equipment in your home or you’re unsure, contact your electricity supplier. They will let you know whether you have an RTS meter, and when you can get your smart meter upgrade.

What happens if I don’t upgrade to smart meters?

If you decide not to upgrade, the heating and/or hot water provisions in your home could be affected. You may find that your heating and/or hot water is continually left on or off, or the charging-up happens at the wrong time of day. Your electricity supplier won’t be able to confirm how much electricity you have used during peak or offpeak times, which means your electricity costs could be much higher than before.

A smart meter will give you a similar service to your RTS meter. You should speak to your supplier to find out more.

The benefits of Smart meters

Smart meters can be programmed to deliver a similar service to RTS.

With a smart meter:

  • you’ll get accurate bills based on the energy you’ve actually used, not an estimate
  • meter readings are submitted automatically, so there’s no need to manually submit your energy readings
  • you can keep a closer eye on how much energy you’re using and how much you’re spending
  • you can see where you might be able to save energy, for example by turning the heating down when you don’t need it or switching the TV off at the wall
  • you'll have access to 'smart meter only' tariffs.

What energy suppliers must do

Energy suppliers must treat all households and businesses fairly. This includes knowing who needs support and extra help. As part of the phased switch off energy suppliers should also:

  • give you clear, accessible and timely information that should include details about the Radio Teleswitch phase-out
  • keep a high standard of customer service
  • offer an enquiry service from 1 August 2025 for households including those where there is someone living there who needs extra help
  • prepare for emergencies for example if there is a power cut
  • move people from a Radio Teleswitch meter to a smart meter onto a suitable tariff that reflects their usage patterns.