The UK energy regulator has urged more than half a million owners of a type of 1980s electricity meter to upgrade or face being left without heating. Independent regulator Ofgem and trade association Energy UK launched a new campaign on Monday to encourage owners of radio teleswitch service (RTS) meters to “act now” and get a meter upgrade from their energy supplier ahead of the system’s switch-off later this year.
The campaign includes a TV advert featuring presenter Lorraine Kelly, who warns “don’t delay”. Households which have not upgraded their electricity meter could be left without heating or hot water following the deactivation, the regulator said.
RTS meters were introduced in the 1980s and rely on longwave radio signals from the BBC ’s transmitter to switch meters between peak and off-peak tariff rates. However the equipment which broadcasts the signal is nearly obsolete and it will be switched off on June 30.
A spokesperson for Ofgem said: “The campaign has been launched because of the urgent need to increase the rate of RTS meter upgrades across Great Britain before the signal is switched off from June 30 2025. “It is important that RTS customers book their installation as soon as they are contacted by their supplier.
“All customers should have been contacted by their supplier by the end of 2024. Failure to act may result in the heating and/or hot water being continually left on or off, or the charging-up happening at the wrong time of day, leading to higher bills.”
The replacement of an RTS meter comes at no extra cost, Ofgem said, adding customers should be wary of scams. They will not be asked to provide payment details or make any payment when booking an appointment with their energy supplier.
Dhara Vyas, chief executive of Energy UK, said: “Energy suppliers are working closely with consumer groups and the regulator Ofgem to urge customers with radio teleswitch meters to act now to upgrade their meter. By making sure they are in contact now, customers can minimise disruption, arrange a smooth meter replacement and continue enjoying the benefits they currently receive from RTS.”
As of January 2025, there were around 600,000 RTS meters in Britain, Ofgem said. The campaign is being supported by fuel poverty charities National Energy Action and Energy Action Scotland, who warn the switch-off could negatively impact poorer and more isolated areas.
Danni Barnes, director of development and partnerships at National Energy Action, said: “Radio teleswitch meters are often used with ageing electric heating systems, which are more common in areas experiencing severe fuel poverty.
“The switch-off could exacerbate costs for households already struggling and result in households losing control of their heating and hot water. In the worst cases, some may not be able to use their heating or hot water at all.”