Power regulator Ofgem has issued an alert.
Martin Lewis explains the most cost effective option to change power meters
Households counting on ageing electrical energy meters have been informed to behave now or threat dropping heating and scorching water.
Power regulator Ofgem has issued an pressing alert to round 100,000 remaining houses nonetheless utilizing Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters, warning that the sign which controls them is being switched off.
In a social media publish, the watchdog mentioned: “The sign to Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters is being switched off.
“All remaining RTS meters can be phased out this yr.
“When you have one, contact your power provider now to guide a alternative and keep away from the danger of dropping heating and/or scorching water.”
Power regulator Ofgem has issued an alert (Picture: Getty) Private finance information, cash saving ideas and recommendation plus selcted affords and competitions Subscribe Invalid e-mail
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What is going on?
The know-how that helps RTS electrical energy meters is being switched off in phases, space by space, from June final yr.
With out the sign telling them when to change between peak and off-peak charges, RTS meters could not work correctly. That might imply heating and scorching water programs failing to function as regular in affected houses and companies.
Suppliers ought to have already got contacted clients with RTS meters to rearrange an improve to a sensible meter.
They’re required to make sure households have an acceptable alternative put in and that companies will not be disrupted.
Who’s most in danger?
You might have an RTS meter if:
- Your own home has a separate change field close to your meter labelled “Radio Teleswitch”
- Your own home is heated utilizing electrical energy or storage heaters
- There isn’t any gasoline provide in your space – widespread in rural communities and high-rise flats
- You might be on a time-of-use tariff reminiscent of Financial system 7, Financial system 10 or Whole Warmth Whole Management.
Houses with out gasoline central heating are notably affected, as many depend on off-peak electrical energy to cost storage heaters in a single day.
?????? The sign to Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters is being switched off.
All remaining RTS meters can be phased out this yr.
When you have one, contact your power provider now to guide a alternative and keep away from the danger of dropping heating and/or scorching water
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— Ofgem (@ofgem) February 18, 2026
What suppliers should do
As a part of the phased switch-off, suppliers should:
- Present clear, accessible and well timed details about the phase-out
- Clarify the impression and alternative course of
- Keep excessive customer support requirements
- Provide an enquiry service for households – together with weak clients – to report points reminiscent of energy cuts at any time of day through the week
- Transfer clients onto an acceptable good tariff reflecting their utilization
Suppliers are additionally required to deal with all households and companies pretty, together with figuring out those that want further assist.
Who do you contact?
Households ought to contact their electrical energy provider instantly to rearrange an improve.
Main home suppliers embody: British Fuel; E.ON Subsequent; EDF Power; Octopus Power; OVO Power; Scottish Energy; SSE;
Utilita Power; Utility Warehouse.
If you happen to have no idea who your provider is, Ofgem says it is best to comply with the steps on its “discover your power provider” web page.
What occurs should you refuse a sensible meter?
Ofgem says upgrading to a sensible meter is the most suitable choice for RTS clients.
If you happen to select to not improve:
- Heating and scorching water could also be left frequently on or off
- Storage heaters could cost on the unsuitable time of day
- Payments might rise if peak and off-peak utilization can’t be confirmed
- Tariff selection can be extra restricted
A sensible meter will proceed to supply timed switching whereas additionally routinely submitting readings, enabling entry to smart-only tariffs and correct payments based mostly on precise utilization somewhat than estimates.
If you happen to need assistance
Clients in England and Wales can contact Residents Recommendation right here totally free and neutral recommendation about their power provide. In Scotland, recommendation is accessible by way of Power Recommendation Scotland right here.
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