Thousands of households are being warned to act now or face higher energy bills as major suppliers push for urgent meter upgrades.
Around 260,000 homes in the south of England are still using outdated Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters, which could soon lead to rising costs.The RTS, which has operated since the 1980s through BBC Radio 4's longwave signal, will switch off on June 30, 2025.
If customers don't have these old systems replaced, they risk losing access to cheaper night rates and could face disruption to their heating and hot water supply.
Despite a national campaign to raise awareness, energy suppliers are now racing against the clock to achieve the switch off, which they say is a "significant undertaking".
Three major energy suppliers have issued warnings to a combined 185,000 customers still using RTS meters.
Octopus Energy has urged 60,000 of its customers to act quickly. E.ON Next has put 65,000 customers on alert about the upcoming deadline and EDF is also calling on 60,000 energy customers to take immediate action or risk being cut off.
The RTS system enables customers to benefit from cheaper electricity rates
PAThe RTS system enables customers to benefit from cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours through tariffs like Economy 7 and Economy 10.
RTS meters were introduced in the 1980s and use radio signals to toggle electricity meters between peak and off-peak tariffs.
They're specifically designed for customers who rely on electricity for heating and hot water needs – typically those with electric storage heaters. These systems usually charge overnight but will become obsolete when the RTS service ends on June 30, 2025.
Joe Richardson, operations director for Octopus Energy, said: "We're quite worried for customers who don't replace them, as their heating might get stuck on or might not come on at all and they might not have hot water."
"We really want people to get in touch with us to have these meters changed as soon as possible. It's important not to wait until the deadline."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Smart meters are the recommended replacement option for households with RTS meters.
PASmart meters are the recommended replacement option for households with RTS meters.
An Ofgem spokesman said: "Smart meters are the best replacement for RTS meters – giving consumers more control of their energy usage and opening access to new money-saving tariffs."
Customers who don't want smart meters or live in areas with poor signals should contact their supplier about alternatives. Under Ofgem's plans, suppliers must ensure that service is not disrupted.
Some charities have reported fears over smart meters could be holding people back from upgrading.
Anindita Sarkar, from the Citizens Advice Bureau in Reading, said people were "worried" about smart meters, despite the fact they work well "most of the time".
Energy bills are forecast to rise from April
GETTYShe said: "It is technology so might have interruptions but when they're working well smart meters have many advantages."
EDF has urged customers to contact them as soon as possible to book a free meter exchange appointment.
The June 30, 2025, deadline is now less than four months away.
Energy suppliers emphasise that replacing these obsolete meters is essential even if customers have a single-rate billing system or have upgraded their heating.
All affected households should contact their energy supplier immediately to arrange a free replacement.
