Over 314,000 UK households, including many rented homes, were facing the sudden loss of heating and hot water due to a planned 30 June switch-off of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) — but the Government has now intervened to delay the shutdown.

What Are RTS Meters?

• Introduced in the 1980s, RTS meters use a radio signal to switch between peak and off-peak tariffs, controlling heating and hot water systems.

• Commonly found in electric-only homes, especially flats and older properties without gas.

• Still used by 1% of UK homes, including a significant number in the private rented sector.

What’s Changing?

• The planned full switch-off on 30 June 2025 has been delayed.

• Instead, a gradual regional phase-out will begin this summer.

• Trial areas will be selected with fewer RTS users to allow smoother roll-out.

• Landlords and tenants will receive advance notice from energy suppliers.

• Modern smart meters will be installed as replacements.

Implications for Landlords

• ❗Tenants could lose hot water or heating if meters are not upgraded in time.

• Properties with RTS meters must be prioritised for upgrade to avoid non-compliance with fitness standards.

• Delays or disruption could lead to increased tenant complaints or legal exposure under Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act or HHSRS enforcement.

What Should Letting Agents and Landlords Do?

1. Audit your portfolio:

   • ☐ Identify any properties with RTS or non-smart electric-only meters.

   • ☐ Check tenancy records for known electric heating systems tied to off-peak tariffs (e.g. Economy 7).

2. Contact your energy supplier:

   • ☐ Request an upgrade appointment or confirm inclusion in the roll-out.

   • ☐ Ask if your properties are in the upcoming trial areas.

3. Notify tenants:

   • ☐ Explain what RTS meters are and that an upgrade is required.

   • ☐ Reassure them of minimal disruption and that appointments will be arranged.

4. Stay informed:

   • ☐ Monitor updates from Ofgem, energy suppliers, and BEIS.

   • ☐ Check for grant support or financial help if tenant disruption occurs.

Regulatory View

• Ofgem is overseeing the transition and has made clear:

  • No area will lose signal until strict consumer protection criteria are met.

  • Suppliers must accelerate installations, already increasing from 1,000 to 1,000+ meters per day.

🔧 Energy Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh:
“We have stepped in to ensure that thousands of vulnerable consumers with RTS meters do not experience any sudden disruption…”