What is the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS)?
The Radio Teleswitch Service, as the name suggests, uses a radio signal to help control and manage specific electricity meters when switching between peak and off-peak rates.
RTS is used for some traditional multi-rate meters and was designed to support those who use electricity for their heating and hot water. This may include those who use electric storage systems, panel heaters or immersion heaters in water tanks – some of which typically charge up overnight.
RTS was introduced in the 1980s, and is now reaching the end of its natural operational life. This means that the equipment that produces the radio signal can’t be adequately maintained anymore.
The Timeline
- March 2026: Signal phase-out resumes in England and Wales.
- April 2026: Signal phase-out resumes across Scotland.
- Summer 2026: Final termination of all RTS signals across the UK.
What happens if I don’t upgrade my RTS meter?
If the signal is switched off before your meter is replaced:
- Loss of Heating Control: Storage heaters may stay “off” permanently (leading to increased bills) and fail to charge at all.
- Hot Water Failure: Your immersion heater may stop triggering during off-peak hours.
- Billing Errors: Your meter may get “stuck” on peak rates 24/7, as it no longer receives the signal to switch to the cheaper night rate.
How do I find out if I have an RTS meter?
If you’re unsure whether you have an RTS meter, here are a few things to look out for that often indicate you do:
- There may be a separate switch box near your meter with a radio teleswitch label on it.
- Your property is heated using electricity or storage heaters.
- There is no gas supply to your area. This includes households in rural areas and high-rise flats.
- You get cheaper energy at different times of day. Your tariff might be: Economy 7, Economy 10 or Total Heat Total Control.
Replacing your RTS meter.
E.ON Next is prioritising customers in the Scotland area for metering appointments.
- Call the Dedicated Line: Contact the E.ON Next RTS team at 0800 501 5266
- Online Booking: Log in to your E.ON Next account and book a metering appointment.
- The Replacement: You will receive a modern Smart Meter. This will handle your off-peak switching digitally via the mobile network rather than radio waves. There is no cost for this replacement.
Recommendation: Do not wait for the April signal drop. Book your appointment this week to ensure your system is transitioned before the local radio masts are decommissioned