If your home relies on an Economy 7, Economy 10 or other multi‑rate electric heating system, an important national change is coming that may affect how your heating and hot water work. The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS)—the radio signal that controls many older meters and storage heating systems—is being permanently switched off across the UK. This phased shutdown began in 2025 and is due to complete in summer 2026.
Many older electricity meters that use the RTS signal to switch between peak and off-peak rates will stop working properly once the service ends. To ensure reliable heating control and accurate billing, these meters will need to be replaced with new-generation smart meters, which do not rely on RTS and can manage multi-rate tariffs securely and accurately, helping to maintain correct billing and dependable heating control.
RTS is a radio signal introduced in the 1980s to allow certain electricity meters to automatically switch between peak and off‑peak rates. It also controls when many storage heaters and hot water systems turn on and off. These systems are common in all‑electric homes, rural areas, high‑rise flats, and properties on Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariffs.
The technology is now at the end of its life and can no longer be reliably maintained. Energy suppliers and Ofgem have agreed a phased, area‑by‑area shutdown so that remaining RTS meters can be replaced.
Once the RTS signal is switched off in your area, your heating and hot water may stop functioning as normal. This could include:
These issues have already begun appearing in some regions as the phased switch‑off progresses.
Ofgem advises that all households with RTS meters need to have them replaced—usually with a modern smart meter—to ensure heating and hot water continue to work properly.
The final stages of the switch‑off are expected to complete by summer 2026, and many suppliers are already working through backlogs. Acting early helps avoid disruption—especially during colder months.
If your home uses Economy 7 or Economy 10 heating, or you’re unsure whether you have an RTS meter, please get in touch with us as soon as possible. We are a trusted local charity that has helped thousands of local households navigate their home energy issues.
We can:
Book your home visit today so we can make sure your heating continues to work reliably before the switch‑off reaches your area.
