Some 146,000 Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) customers are being urged to take immediate action, because the phase-out of the RTS signal is expected to be completed this summer.
The phase-out – under which the RTS signal is switched off for groups of customers at a time – was paused during the winter but will resume in March for England and Wales and in April for Scotland.
Since the start of January 2025, over 300,000 RTS meters have been replaced. As of late January 2026, there were 154,000 RTS meters left to be replaced, with only 8,000 scheduled replacements booked with energy suppliers. This leaves 146,000 appointments yet to be arranged before the targeted end of the phase out this summer.
Energy UK is urging those remaining RTS customers to make an appointment with their supplier for an engineer to visit their home or business to replace their meter. This will ensure they maintain control of their heating and hot water after the service is switched off.
Ned Hammond, Deputy Director, Policy (Customers) at Energy UK, said: “This long-running replacement programme was ramped up last year because the ageing RTS infrastructure was at increasing risk of failure, meaning customers needed to be moved onto more reliable metering solutions. The final switch off is now imminent and we’re expecting a rush for appointments during this final stage.
“Your supplier will notify you when your meter is being phased out but the best way to avoid any impact on your heating and hot water is to book an appointment as soon as you can.”
RTS was introduced in the 1980s and uses a long-range radio signal to switch between peak and off-peak rates. The equipment that generates the radio signal is now outdated and can no longer be reliably maintained. Homes and businesses that do not arrange a meter replacement could lose control of their heating and/or hot water, or they could be charged for energy at the wrong time of day, leading to higher bills.
Energy suppliers will not charge for a meter replacement and can advise customers which tariffs are suitable.