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Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) shutdown campaign toolkit

Transparency document

Publication date: 26 May 2025
Industry sector: Supply and Retail Market

Campaign materials for Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) shutdown campaign and how to use them.

What is the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS)?

The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) uses a radio signal to tell some older electricity meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates.

RTS was introduced in the 1980s and is now reaching the end of its natural operational life. The equipment that produces the radio signal can no longer be adequately maintained.

2025 phased shutdown

The RTS shutdown will take a phased approach starting from 30th June 2025. Consumers who have not had their meter switched may experience disruption to their heating and hot water systems.

Ofgem has created a Toolkit to help stakeholders raise awareness of the RTS shutdown. By using these resources, you can help ensure that those with RTS meters understand the importance of upgrading their meter before the June 2025 deadline.

Who this Toolkit is for

This toolkit is designed for all stakeholders that can promote RTS awareness for consumers, including:

local authorities – particularly those in areas with high numbers of RTS meters
housing associations and landlords – to help inform tenants who may have RTS meters
community groups and charities – especially those working with older people or vulnerable consumers
consumer advice organisations – to help identify and support those who may have RTS meters
healthcare professionals – who work with vulnerable people who rely on electric heating
energy advice services – to incorporate RTS information into existing support
partner organisations – who can help amplify our messages
MPs, MSP’s and councillors – to inform constituents about the RTS shutdown

Campaign toolkit resources

Top Messages

Use these messages in different communication channels when communicating the RTS shutdown.

The radio signal that controls RTS electricity meters is being switched off from June 2025
If you have an RTS electricity meter, you will need to have it replaced
If your RTS electricity meter is not replaced before the shutdown, it may mean that your heating and hot water supply stops functioning as normal
Your energy supplier will contact you if you have an RTS meter to arrange the installation of a new meter
If your supplier has already contacted you, take action to book the installation of your new meter

Identify an RTS Meter

Please share this information to help people identify if they might have an RTS meter:

there may be a separate switch box near their meter with a Radio Teleswitch label
the property is heated using electricity or storage heaters
there is no gas supply to the area, particularly common in rural locations
they get cheaper energy at different times of day (Economy 7, Economy 10, or Total Heat Total Control tariffs)
to help identify RTS meters, see photos of types Radio Teleswitching Service (RTS) switch off campaign

Support for vulnerable consumers

Many RTS meter users are older people or those that need extra help. When using this toolkit, please make sure that:

materials are accessible to those with limited digital skills or internet access
print materials are available in places frequented by older people
work with trusted intermediaries who can help explain the changes
provide reassurance that the meter replacement is free of charge
emphasise that this affects heating and hot water, which is crucial information for vulnerable consumers

Please track how and where you've shared campaign materials. We would also like to hear your success stories of people who have had their meters replaced. This will help us to measure the effectiveness of our campaign.