Radio Teleswitch Service switch off
The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), also known as the Dynamic Teleswitch Service (DTS) was introduced in the 1980s as a way of allowing Storage, Panel and Immersion heaters to take advantage of the lower night energy tariff.
The anticipated switch-off of the longwave radio signal that controls the hot water and heating on and off timings, on the 30th of June 2025, has been postponed due to the number of RTS meters still in operation. It has wisely been decided to have regional projects, giving more time, resource and focus. Customers will continue to be contacted by their suppliers.
This may mean that the heating or hot water remains permanently on or off, with no distinction between the higher day tariff and the lower night, which could mean higher bills.
Signs that you may use an RTS meter are:
- There is no Gas at the property.
- There is a traditional Electricity dial meter.
- The Electricity tariff is billed at more than one rate, which would likely be two rate Day and Night.
- The hot water or heating automatically comes on at night and switches off in the morning.
- There may be a switch box near the meter with a Radio Teleswitch label on it.
- The property is heated by Storage, Panel or Immersion heaters.
Ofgem expects energy suppliers to replace all of these meters. Consumers with RTS will be contacted by their energy supplier to arrange for a free Smart or AMR (Automatic Meter Reader) meter to be installed. It is advised that appointments are booked early to avoid the inevitable last-minute demand.
Potentially the supplier may ask for some additional information from the site, such as photos, in order to plan the exchange.
Smart and AMR meters will also provide added benefits, such as meter reads being sent automatically, to allow for accurate billing. They allow energy consumption to be monitored to identify opportunities to make savings and give access to services which reward customers who reduce Electricity demand at peak times. Although some replacement meters will experience connection issues due to their location and lose some of the benefits mentioned above, they will at least allow the continued use of the heating and hot water.
Indigo Swan are engaging with our customers and would be happy to engage with the energy suppliers on your behalf to identify RTS meters and help arrange for them to be exchanged in a timely manner. If you are contacted by a supplier, we would encourage you to act quickly to replace your meter. If you have not been contacted and you believe you have an RTS meter either talk to your energy suppler direct or contact your account manager at Indigo Swan or call us on 01603 625522 and we will be happy to discuss.
This link directs you to an Ofgem page which includes a short video. Replacing your Radio Teleswitch electricity meter | Ofgem
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