The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) Switch-Off

At the end of this month, on the 30th June 2025, the UK’s long-running Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) is being permanently switched off. If your business still relies on an RTS meter, the change could cause some disruptions – but don’t panic. The switch-off could bring significant benefits to your business, with the chance to upgrade your energy setup for a smarter, more sustainable future.

What Is the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS)?

The Radio Teleswitch Service was introduced in the 1980s as a way to remotely control electricity meters and heating systems, primarily for off-peak energy use. Through a longwave radio signal, energy suppliers could switch a customer’s supply or tariff configuration – usually to take advantage of cheaper electricity during the night.

RTS has been widely used by both households and businesses, especially those on Economy 7 or white meter tariffs, or using storage heaters, immersion heaters, or timed industrial equipment.

Why Is It Being Switched Off?

The simple reason is that RTS is outdated. The technology depends on a radio signal broadcast from a BBC transmitter, which is no longer financially or technically viable. With the UK pushing towards a smarter, greener grid, it doesn’t make sense to keep relying on analogue systems from decades ago.

The government and energy providers have confirmed that RTS will be permanently turned off on 30th June 2025. Instead, smart meter technology is taking its place, offering more control, better data, and greater efficiency.

How Will the RTS Switch-Off Affect Your Business?

If your business has an RTS-connected meter, the switch-off could mean:

Loss of automated off-peak switching, potentially affecting the timing and cost of electricity use.
Inaccurate billing, as manual workarounds may be needed by suppliers.
Risk of service disruption, especially for time-sensitive heating or industrial systems.
Tariff confusion, especially if you’re on legacy deals like Economy 7 or white meter tariffs.

The Benefits Of The Switch

While any change can feel like a hassle, moving on from RTS has clear advantages:

Modern smart meters offer accurate, real-time data on your energy use.
More flexible tariff options open the door to better deals, including dynamic pricing and green energy plans.
Smarter energy management helps identify inefficiencies, reduce carbon emissions, and improve operational costs.
You’ll be future-proofing your business for upcoming energy policy changes and net zero goals.

How Renewable Energy Solutions Can Help

At Renewable Energy Solutions, we’re here to ensure your business stays ahead of the curve. We can help you identify whether you’re affected by the RTS switch-off, replace outdated meters with modern smart meters that meet current government standards, review your existing tariff and move you to a more cost-effective, greener alternative, and implement renewable technologies such as solar PV, LED lighting, and energy monitoring systems to help lower both your bills and your carbon footprint.

The RTS switch-off on 30th June is one of the last steps in phasing out legacy systems from the UK energy landscape. For businesses, it’s not just a technical shift – it’s an opportunity to modernise, cut costs, and step into a more sustainable future.

Need help transitioning from an RTS meter? Call us on 0800 989 0143, or book a free 15 minute consultation to speak with one of our renewables specialists today.