UK pushes back energy meter switch-off – what you should know
Energy Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh has confirmed that the government will push back the planned switch-off of older energy meters in favour of a more phased approach.
Responding in a recent parliamentary Q&A, Fahnbulleh said her department has stepped in to ensure there will be a managed and more controlled start of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) phase out from 30 June.
People with an RTS meter will not face any unexpected disruption to their heating or hot water at the end of the month, she said.
The Radio Teleswitch Service uses radio signals to switch older electricity meters between different tariffs, such as peak and off-peak and can also be used to turn heating and hot water systems on and off at specific times of the day.
The technology behind RTS is reliant on infrastructure that was introduced in the 1980s which is due to be switched off as it is reaching the end of its operational life. The phased approach to switch off was agreed with relevant industry parties on behalf of energy suppliers.
For years, the pace of RTS replacements by industry has been too slow – leaving 314,935 RTS meters still in premises as of 30 May 2025.
“My department has worked to ensure industry will pursue a more controlled approach to the phase out, beginning with a very small number of homes and businesses in carefully targeted local areas,” said Fahnbulleh.
“During this process, government and Ofgem will closely monitor supplier readiness to ensure the process is smooth and vulnerable consumers are identified and protected.”
These steps will help ensure suppliers are ready to respond quickly in case of any issues and that working families and the elderly are protected throughout the phase-out process, she said.
Fahnbulleh added that the government is working closely with Industry and Ofgem to ensure this next period is planned effectively and consumers, particularly those who are vulnerable, are protected.
“Government is clear that suppliers must fulfil all of their legal obligations to their customers and will work with Ofgem to hold suppliers to account.
“I will continue to meet with Ofgem and Energy UK on a fortnightly basis to review how the gradual and targeted phase out is progressing, with a particular focus on Scotland – where over 100,000 RTS meters are installed, as well as remote and rural areas, to ensure all efforts are made to reach these households.”
New licence conditions
To provide additional protection to consumers, Ofgem have recently consulted on plans to introduce new RTS-specific licence conditions for energy suppliers.
These will include a provision that suppliers must take all reasonable steps to provide a tariff that leaves their consumers ‘no worse off’ than with their existing arrangement as a result of an RTS meter replacement. Ofgem is expected to publish its response to the consultation shortly.
Suppliers will continue contacting consumers to book replacement appointments and consumers are urged to respond as soon as possible.
In most cases, this will involve replacing the RTS meter with a smart meter, which can work in the same way as RTS meters, with automatic peak and off-peak rates, and the ability to turn heating and hot water systems on and off, ensuring minimal disruption to households.
In advance of any phase out activity in their area, households and businesses will be contacted by their energy supplier to inform them well ahead of time, if their meters will be affected.
“The Government has also made clear to industry that suppliers must fulfil all their obligations to consumers and drive up the rate of RTS meter replacements. In recent months, suppliers have taken various steps to speed up their replacement rates and this must continue,” said Fahnbulleh.
“The department continues to impress upon suppliers the importance of resourcing themselves effectively to ensure they can reach all their RTS consumers in good time, including those in rural areas.
While the RTS and the work to replace it is industry-owned and led, this government is doing everything we can to ensure that all consumers are protected from any negative impacts, particularly those who are vulnerable,” she said.
