Exact date for major switch that will make energy meters ‘dumb’ – how can you avoid this?

MORE THAN 900,000 households could see their energy bills rise if they don’t take action before an electricity meter switches off.

Hundreds of thousands of customers on Economy 7 and other multi-tariff energy tariffs use these meters, which charge customers cheaper rates depending on the time of day.

But these devices rely on the Radio Teleswicth Service (RTS), which was originally scheduled to stop functioning from March 31, 2024.

And its elimination could lead to massive increases in bills for nearly a million households.

The devices rely on the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) which transmits a signal along the longwave channel for BBC Radio 4.

This signal is then picked up by the meter and used to change electricity rates at different times of the day.

Some RTS electricity meters can also automatically switch heating and hot water systems on and off during certain hours.

However, once the RTS signal is turned off, these devices no longer function as intended.

Once this happens, households may be stuck paying electricity rates during peak hours depending on when the RTS signal drops.

It can also leave those with heating systems controlled by RTS permanently on or off.

Considering how many customers are still reliant on these outdated meters, Energy UK has extended the deadline for the switch following calls from suppliers and reporting by The Sun last year.

The RTS signal will now be switched off on June 30, 2025, giving almost a million households more time to take action to prevent the consequences.

But the only way to avoid the problems expected to arise from the switch-off of the RTS is for affected households to switch to a smart meter.

Dhara Vyas, Deputy CEO of Energy UK, said: “Along with consumer groups, we are urging RTS customers to take action now – either by responding to contact from their supplier or by reaching out themselves.

“Doing this well in advance of next summer’s deadline will minimize disruption, ensure a smooth upgrade to a smart meter and allow customers to continue to enjoy the benefits they currently receive from RTS.”

Customers who switch to a smart meter will still have access to multi-tariff energy tariffs, including Economy 7.

An Ofgem spokesperson said: “Suppliers must ensure meters are safe and accurate, and this sometimes means replacing the meter. We expect suppliers to communicate this clearly to their customers.”

However, if you don’t hear from your energy supplier, Energy UK advises customers to get in touch with information about having a smart meter installed.

The RTS was originally planned to be shut down in 2014, but energy suppliers have kept the service on life support while they move to transition their customers to new meters.

What are the benefits of installing a smart meter?

It costs you nothing to have a smart meter installed, your energy supplier will do this for free.

The same rule applies to all customers affected by the RTS shutdown.

Smart meters are designed so that you no longer have to send traditional meter readings to energy suppliers once you have one.

You no longer have to provide meter readings and you will not receive a visit from a meter reader to record your consumption.

This also makes your bill more accurate because it is based on measurements of actual usage and not estimates.

The devices also allow you to keep track of how much energy you use at night, during the day and at peak times.

A home display is usually also supplied, which connects to the meter and shows your energy consumption and costs in pounds and pence.

With a smart meter you can save money on your energy bill.

It won’t save you money just by having one.

But if you can see your energy use and costs, you can better understand where you can cut back.

Customers with RTS electricity meters who switch to a smart meter can still access flexible electricity tariffs if they choose.