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Energy meter update from regulator as 300,000 face no heating or water within weeks
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A MAJOR energy meter switch-off in June risks leaving 300,000 customers trapped with higher bills or disconnected entirely.
The change will affect electricity meters powered by the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), which will stop working later this summer.
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Households still using these outdated meters are being urged to upgrade to smart meters to avoid losing power or being stuck with hefty bills.
Ofgem is pressuring energy companies to replace all affected meters before the RTS signal is switched off, which was initially scheduled for last year but got extended to give firms more time to make the move.
In a fresh update, the regulator has confirmed the switch-off will take place in phases rather than happening all at once on June 30 - The Sun can reveal.
However, it has not stated exactly how these phases will be carried out or which regions will be switched off first.
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It comes after concerns arose that up to 300,000 households might not have their meters upgraded in time.
The regulator explained that it wants the process to be "responsible", avoiding a sudden "flick of the switch" that would cut the signal nationwide in one go.
The Sun has asked Ofgem for a detailed timeline outlining specific areas and dates for the phased shutdown.
As of the end of March, 430,000 households were still reliant on RTS meters, with more than 1,000 being replaced each day, according to Energy UK, the trade body representing energy companies.
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Campaigners warned yesterday that, at the current replacement rate, over 300,000 households could still be left with non-functioning meters by July 1.
In response, Ofgem has said it will put plans in place to help customers still using RTS meters after June 2025, but the details of these measures are still unclear.
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The regulator hasn't ruled out that these plans could include fining energy suppliers or extending the deadline again.
An Ofgem spokesperson said: "The RTS upgrade programme is an urgent consumer welfare issue and Ofgem is determined to explore every avenue to ensure that customers are protected when this ageing 40-year-old technology is phased out from the June 30.
"Ofgem set up a taskforce alongside Energy UK, bringing together suppliers and the wider sector to accelerate the rate of meter upgrades to its highest level yet, and solve complex technical barriers posed in certain remote regions.
"Ofgem has also demanded action plans from every supplier, which we are scrutinising on an ongoing basis to ensure that robust contingencies are in place to protect any customers who remain on RTS meters after the phased switch-off process begins."
In February 2025, Ofgem launched a consultation on new licence conditions to give the regulator greater authority to enforce rules around RTS meters.
However, the regulator is still reviewing the feedback from this consultation and will provide an update on the next steps in due course.
Who is affected by the switch off?
Nearly one million customers relied on RTS meters before the planned switch-off was first announced in 2023.
The devices rely on the RTS which broadcasts a signal alongside the long-wave channel for BBC Radio 4.
This signal is then picked up by the meter and used to switch the electricity rates at different times of the day, depending on the tariff.
Some RTS electricity meters can also automatically turn heating and hot water systems on and off during certain hours.
However, when the RTS signal is switched off these meters will no longer function as intended.
This means that from June, these meters could be left jammed on peak time electricity rates depending on when the RTS signal dies.
This could lead to huge bill hikes for households affected by the switch-off.
It could also leave those with heating systems controlled by RTS on or off permanently.
Suppliers have been racing to get their customers moved to smart meters before the deadline in recent weeks.
British Gas said that 12,000 customers still need to switch their meter.
Meanwhile, Octopus Energy told The Sun last week that approximately 20,000 of its customers still need to schedule an appointment to have their meters replaced.
Alongside warnings from Octopus, over 65,000 E.ON Next customers are now being encouraged to step forward and arrange the installation of a smart meter.
Meanwhile, EDF has also issued warnings to 60,000 of its own customers, advising them to take the same action.
How do I know if I have an RTS electricity meter?
YOU'LL be able to tell if you have a meter that relies on the RTS quite easily.
The oldest RTS-powered meters have a switch box labelled "Radio Teleswitch" located next to the physical electricity meter.
Others may have the RTS switch box included within the electricity meter as a single box on the wall.
If you're unsure about the type of electricity meter in your home - call your supplier as they'll usually have this information on hand.
RTS is also sometimes called dynamically teleswitched (DTS).
What's the alternative to RTS?
Smart meters offer the same features as RTS in that they can record the different prices at different times of day offered by Economy 7 tariffs.
They work using a digital signal and can also show your energy usage in real time, something many users find useful for reducing it and saving money.
Smart meters are being rolled out by suppliers across the country and around 36million households have one, though they are not without issues.
Around one in ten are thought to be "dumb" according to recent data from Ofgem.
Issues include a broken display and trouble connecting to the network in some areas, while many first-generation smart meters have outdated technology, though this is unlikely to be an issue with ones fitted now.
Suppliers should make efforts to fix smart meters that are not working, but you may have to make meter readings in the meantime to ensure accurate bills.
Monitors—the part of the smart meter that shows readings and usage—less than 12 months old should be replaced or fixed for free.
You can ask your supplier for a traditional meter instead, but as smart meters are replacing them, they are not obligated to give you one.
What is a smart meter?
SMART meters are gas and electricity meters that can digitally send readings to your energy supplier.
They show you how much energy you are using in pounds and pence, so can be used to help reduce your energy bill.
Unlike traditional meters, which simply register a running total of energy used, smart meters can record half-hourly price and consumption data and provide automatic meter readings to your energy supplier.
Most homes have two meters, one for gas and one for electricity – both will be replaced with smart meters.
You will also be offered an in-home display to show you the cost and amount of energy you are using at any given time
It will update every 30 minutes for gas and in near real-time for electricity.
Can I keep my RTS tariff?
Suppliers have been told by Ofgem that they must take reasonable steps to ensure they are on a like-for-like tariff after moving to a smart meter.
In some cases where this isn't possible, they must work with the customer to agree an appropriate tariff.
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There may be more smart meter-only tariffs available to some customers that could save them money.
If you haven't been contacted by your supplier already, you don't need to wait for a letter asking you to switch, you can contact them directly.
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