The technology that supports the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), which switches your meter between peak and off-peak pricing, has now officially been switched off.
Since the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) has ended, your meter’s timings might not work as expected, and your heating and hot water supply could be affected.
If you have RTS equipment in your home or small business, it’s essential that you check your heating/hot water now, before it becomes necessary in the upcoming colder months.
RTS used 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. If you still have an RTS meter, there’s a simple solution: replace your meter with a smart meter.
The phase-out of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) was completed on 30 June 2026 as the technology reached the end of its operational life.
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.
If you decide not to upgrade your RTS meter, its 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.
You can book a smart meter appointment directly in your Octopus account.
Or contact us, and we'll sort an appointment for you.
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.