Background

1. Electricity demand varies throughout the day, with lower usage at night and higher during the day.
2. Due to this fluctuation, night-time electricity is cheaper, and daytime electricity is more expensive.
3. The energy industry aims to reduce demand variation, making the system more efficient, less polluting, and cost-effective.
4. To encourage even energy consumption, low-cost night-time electricity was offered for heating and hot water.
5. The RTS system was introduced in the 1980s to automatically switch customers between high and low-cost electricity rates.
6. Many customers installed storage heaters and hot water heaters, especially in rural areas without mains gas.
7. RTS helped reduce the need for additional power stations and power lines.
8. However, the RTS system is now obsolete, with limited spare parts available.

RTS System Shutdown

1. The RTS system will be permanently switched off on 30 June 2025.
2. Energy companies (e.g., OVO, EON) have contacted RTS customers, offering them replacement meters, some may have received red letters urging them to contact their supplier to organise a replacement. 

How Many Customers Are Affected?

1. Thousands of households and businesses across the UK still use RTS meters.
2. Rural areas with high electric heating dependence are likely to be the most affected.
3. If you are unsure whether you are impacted, check with your energy supplier.

Supplier-Specific Approaches

1. Different energy suppliers have varied approaches to RTS meter replacement.
2. Some suppliers may offer tailored advice for affected customers.
3. If you have not been contacted by your supplier, reach out to them directly. There is less than 4 months until the switch off, from event attendees we know some suppliers are installing smart meters at the end of February on the Island. 

Next Steps for RTS Customers

1. If you have received a letter from your electricity supplier about the RTS switch-off, contact your supplier to arrange for a new meter.
2. You likely have an RTS meter if you use electric storage heaters and are on an off-peak tariff such as “Total Heating with Total Control.”
3. If you haven’t received a letter but use off-peak electric heating, check whether you have an RTS meter, if you are unable to tell by looking at the meter and seeing the words ‘Radio Teleswitch Service’ then contact your supplier to check. 

Potential Delays in Meter Replacements

1. There may be delays in securing new meters due to supply chain shortages.
2. Installation appointments could be limited in some areas due to high demand.
3. Contact your supplier early to avoid last-minute issues.

Consequences of Not Replacing RTS Meters

If the old RTS meter is not replaced by 30 June 2025, your home and water heating could:

1. Be permanently turned off.
2. Be left permanently on.
3. Malfunction, switching on and off at incorrect times.
4. Continue working temporarily before eventually failing.
5. Lead to a lack of heating or a constant supply, causing significantly higher electricity bills.

Impact on Businesses and Public Buildings

1. Businesses, schools, and public buildings that rely on RTS meters must also transition to new metering systems.
2. If you manage a commercial or public property, check with your supplier for guidance.
3. Rental homes on prepaid RTS meters are able to be switched to smart meter prepayment meters.

Your New Meter

1. Your supplier will likely install a smart meter as a replacement.
2. If a smart meter is not viable due to communication issues, an alternative meter will be provided. We understand some homes are affected by this in Arran.
3. While the alternative meter won’t be smart, it will allow operation of home and water heating on a lower-cost tariff.

What is a Smart Meter?

1. A smart meter records electricity usage and sends the data to the energy supplier every 30 minutes.
2. No need for manual meter readings.
3. Comes with an in-home display to track electricity usage.
4. Both the meter and display are provided for free.

Changes to Electricity Tariffs

1. You may need to switch to a new tariff as “Total Heating with Total Control” is being discontinued.
2. Alternative lower-cost tariffs will be available to suit different needs.
3. Options include:
   • Staying on an off-peak tariff with your current supplier (e.g., Economy 7: 7 hours of cheaper electricity at night).
   • Switching to a new tariff with another supplier.
   • Exploring smart tariffs that adjust rates based on electricity demand.

Smart Tariff Options

• Companies like Octopus Energy offer smart tariffs that provide flexible lower-cost electricity.

Considering a New Heating System?

1. The meter replacement could be an opportunity to upgrade your heating system.
2. If your current off-peak electric heating is old, consider modern alternatives.
3. Air source heat pumps are a popular choice:
   • Though expensive to install, substantial financial support is available.
   • Residents on Arran may qualify for a £9,000 grant and a £7,500 interest-free loan from the Scottish Government.
4. Other alternative heating options include:
   • Solar thermal heating
   • Biomass boilers
   • Hybrid heat pump systems

When installed correctly Air Source Heat Pumps are highly efficient and can give an output of 4kW per 1kW of electricity. For every 1kW of electricity in a storage heater you get 1kW of heat out.

Comparing Running Costs: Storage Heaters vs. Heat Pumps

1. Storage heaters provide one unit of heat per unit of electricity used (typically at night).
2. Heat pumps, when properly installed and operated, provide four units of heat per unit of electricity used at various times of the day.
3. Since electricity costs are similar, a heat pump can reduce heating costs to a quarter of traditional electric storage or convector heaters.

Consumer Rights & Complaints Process

1. If you experience issues with the RTS meter replacement process, you have rights as an energy consumer.
2. Contact your energy supplier first to resolve any disputes.
3. One event attendee spoke of his own experience and felt he had to use the words ‘formal complaint’ to get the ball rolling after being unsuccessful for 8 weeks. 
4. If your supplier is unresponsive or unhelpful, you can escalate your complaint to Ofgem or Citizens Advice for further support.

Key Actions of the Radio Teleswitch Service turn off

1. RTS meters will stop working on 30 June 2025.
2. Contact your energy supplier ASAP to arrange a replacement meter.
3. If a smart meter doesn’t work in your home, an alternative meter will be installed.
4. Discuss tariff options with your supplier to ensure you remain on the most cost-effective plan.
5. Consider upgrading your heating system to a more efficient alternative like a heat pump.
6. Be aware of potential delays and take action early to avoid disruptions.

Further Reading

• Energy UK Press Release on RTS Switch-off
• Citizens Advice information on RTS
• Ofgem, the energy regulator – for advice and guidance with your energy bills and supplier.
• Energy Network Association’s information on RTS
• The Smart Energy Website – benefits of Smart Meters.

Still have a question about the Radio Teleswitch Service Turn off?

We are here to help, if you still have a question that you feel has not been answered please email our Project Manager Sofi at sofi@arranecosavvy.org.uk. Our next energy event will be in March, you can keep up-to-date with our events here.