The UK energy regulator has issued an urgent warning for over half a million owners of outdated electricity meters, urging them to upgrade or risk being left without heating and hot water. Ofgem, alongside Energy UK, launched a new campaign on Monday aimed at owners of radio teleswitch service (RTS) meters to act immediately and get their meters upgraded before the system switches off later this year.
Introduced back in the 1980s, RTS meters operate by relying on longwave radio signals to switch between peak and off-peak charging tariffs. The equipment has now reached the point of obsolescence, with the broadcasting signal set to be deactivated on June 30, 2025.
Featured in the new campaign is TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, who conveys the serious message: "don’t delay." The determination of Ofgem is clear; they want to increase the rate at which these meters are being replaced to avoid potential heating and hot water disruptions for customers as the deadline looms closer.
According to Ofgem spokespersons, failure to upgrade may lead to dire consequences, with households potentially facing their heating and/or hot water being left switched on or off indefinitely. This could push energy bills higher or leave them without necessary utilities altogether.
“The campaign has been launched because of the urgent need to increase the rate of RTS meter upgrades across Great Britain before the signal is switched off from June 30, 2025,” emphasises the spokesperson. They added, “It is important for RTS customers to book their installation as soon as they are contacted by their supplier.”
Dhara Vyas, chief executive of Energy UK, explained the collaborative efforts underway: “Energy suppliers are working closely with consumer groups and the regulator Ofgem to urge customers with Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters to act now to upgrade their meter.” Vyas also highlights the need for proactive outreach, stating, “By making sure they are in contact now, customers can minimise disruption, arrange smooth meter replacement, and continue enjoying the benefits they currently receive from RTS.”
The urgency of the situation is underscored by statistics indicating there are still around 600,000 RTS meters across Britain as of January 2025, which could leave these households vulnerable if no action is taken. Energy Action Scotland and National Energy Action—two prominent fuel poverty charities—support the campaign, warning it holds significant ramifications for poorer and more isolated communities. “Radio teleswitch meters are often used with ageing electric heating systems, which are more common in areas experiencing severe fuel poverty,” noted Danni Barnes, director of development and partnerships at National Energy Action. “The switch-off could exacerbate costs for households already struggling and result in households losing control of their heating and hot water.”
Ofgem assures customers the meter replacement incurs no extra cost, advising them to remain aware of potential scams. Customers will not be asked for payment details when they book their appointment with the energy supplier. The message from Ofgem is clear: the time to act is now!
For those unsure whether they possess one of the old-style RTS meters, they may have it if there’s a switch box labeled 'Radio Teleswitch' near their meter, or if they rely on electric heating systems without gas supply. Meters often used with tariffs such as Economy 7, Economy 10, or Total Heat Total Control are also likely candidates.
Charlotte Friel, director for retail pricing and systems at Ofgem, reinforced the need for action, saying: “This new high-profile campaign is a welcome step forward which we hope will help ramp up efforts to reach out to affected customers and encourage them to make appointments.”
Energy customers are urged not just to look out for written notifications from their suppliers but to take action proactively. After all, the repercussions of not heeding these warnings could lead to households being caught without heating or hot water. The importance of upgrading these RTS meters has never been more urgent.