Why do I need to urgently replace my Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter?
The technology that supports the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), which switches your meter between peak and off-peak pricing, is coming to an end soon.
After the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) ends, your meter’s timings might not work as expected, and your heating and hot water supply could be affected. There’s a simple solution: replace your meter with a smart meter.
Here's a message from our CEO and Founder, Greg Jackson, on everything you need to know about the Radio Teleswitch Service switch-off:
What is the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) and what’s it used for?
RTS uses a radio signal to help electricity suppliers switch between peak and off-peak periods, and to control when your heating and hot water turn on and off. Without this technology, these systems may not function correctly.
Do I have RTS equipment in my home or business?
If you use electricity for heating and hot water (using electric storage/panel heaters and/or immersion heaters), and you have tariffs that offer cheaper rates during off-peak periods, you may have RTS equipment in your home or business. Usually, there will be a large black box next to your meter.
This is the RTS equipment outside the meter.
In this picture, the black box to the right of the meter is the radio teleswitch, which controls the off-peak hours.
However, in some cases, the RTS equipment is part of the meter rather than a separate unit. You can usually tell because the meter will be labelled “RTS” or “Radio Teleswitch.”
If we believe you have an RTS meter, we’ll contact you to book a meter exchange.
When will RTS be turned off?
The initial phase out began on 30th June 2025 and continued until the end of September, before pausing for Winter.
We're provisionally set to resume the phase-out from March 2026, and plan to continue until the end of June. By this point, all RTS meters should have been replaced before the RTS signal officially ends.
The RTS signal will continue to be phased out via a carefully managed, staggered approach, systematically by geographical area.
If you live in an area that will experience the RTS signal shutdown, we will be in touch to arrange an appointment for you ahead of the shutdown date.
Why are you replacing RTS meters with smart ones?
Smart meters can be programmed remotely to switch between peak and off-peak times, making them the best technical replacement for your RTS meter.
If your heating or hot water is switched on and off by your current meter, we’ll set your new smart meter to match your schedule, so you can continue to get cheaper off-peak energy.
What if I don’t replace my RTS meter with a smart meter?
Should you decide not to upgrade your RTS meter before the service ends, your meter’s functionality may be affected. You may find that your heating and hot water are continually left on or off, or that charging occurs at the wrong time of day.
We also won't be able to tell your meter when to switch between peak and off-peak times, so we won't be able to confirm how much electricity you have used during your off-peak hours. This means your electricity costs could be much higher than before.
What do I need to do?
You can book a smart meter appointment directly in your Octopus account.
Or contact us, and we'll sort an appointment for you.
Have you been contacted about a meter replacement, but don’t believe you have an RTS meter?
Let us know by dropping us an email at hello@octopus.energy or give us a call at 0808 164 1088.
We may need you to send us a photo of your meter so we can get everything updated correctly.
Can I get a smart meter if I rent my property?
If the energy bill at your property is in your name, you can decide whether to get a smart meter installed, but we recommend letting your landlord know first.
If the energy bill is in your landlord's name, it's their decision, but you can still ask.
Do you have questions about your specific meter setup? Drop us an email at hello@octopus.energy or give us a call at 0808 164 1088, and we’ll be happy to help.