Older multi-rate electricity meters might stop working after 30 June 2025
If you have an older multi-rate electricity meter it could be a ‘telemeter’ – these are linked to the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) which uses a radio signal to switch the meter between peak and off-peak rates. RTS was introduced in the 1980s to support people who use electricity for heating and hot water – for example electric storage systems, panel heaters or immersion heaters in water tanks – to easily take advantage of cheaper off-peak rates.
If you have one of these meters you need to be aware that the equipment that produces the radio signal has become outdated and is going to be switched off on 30 June 2025. This change will affect more than 500,000 homes and businesses in the UK. If you are one of them, your energy supplier should already have been in touch to arrange to upgrade your meter.
What you need to do
If you haven’t been contacted to arrange an upgrade, or if you’re not sure if you’re affected, you should contact your energy supplier as soon as possible. After 30 June, meters that haven’t been upgraded are likely to stop working properly meaning appliances could charge continuously, or on peak rates, which is likely to make your bills much higher.
Energy suppliers will provide some support for people who miss the deadline, but it’s important that you take action as soon as possible if you are, or think you might be, affected by this change.
The Energy UK website has full information about this change and what it means for consumers.
Need help?
If you have any questions or problems contacting your supplier, our energy advisers can help. Just give us a call during office hours on one of our free advicelines:
0800 500 3076 if you live in Gloucestershire or South Gloucestershire
0800 170 1432 if you live in Herefordshire
0800 170 1600 for residents of Powys, Ceredigion and Monmouthshire.
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