What is the Radio Teleswitch Service?
The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) is a technology used by some older types of electricity meters. These meters often switch between peak and off-peak tariff rates or control heating and hot water. Meters that rely on the RTS have been used reliably since the late 1980s. However, the longwave radio technology it uses will be switched off from 30 June 2025. This change may affect your business. In this article, we explain what’s happening, when it will happen, and how it impacts your business.
Countdown to the end of Radio Teleswitch Service
The Radio Teleswitch Service phase-out was originally planned for March 2024, but Ofgem has confirmed that RTS will be switched off from 30 June 2025. After this date, businesses with meters that rely on RTS may find certain functions no longer work, regardless of your energy supplier. In an effort to pre-empt any disruption, we’re upgrading all affected meters and replacing them with a smart meter free of charge.
A lot of meters across the UK need upgrading urgently. Businesses that delay their smart meter install may find themselves in a situation where their energy supplier is unable to offer an appointment before the Radio Teleswitch Service ends. To protect your business from any disruption, we recommend arranging your smart meter upgrade as soon as possible.
Do you have a meter that uses Radio Teleswitch?
Contact your supplier or network operator, if you:
- Have an electricity meter that switches between peak and off-peak tariff rates, such as an Economy 7 or 10 tariff
- Have a meter that automatically turns on your heating or hot water
- If you’re unsure whether you have a Radio Teleswitch Service meter, you can find more information about RTS meters on the Ofgem website.
At British Gas business, we’re contacting all our affected businesses directly to explain what’s happening and arrange the next steps for a smart meter upgrade. Simply follow the instructions in your letter and emails sent if you get one, or log into your online account to request a smart meter for your business for peace of mind. We just need to ensure your business meets certain eligibility criteria for the smart meter installation.
Contact us if you have any questions.
Benefits of smart meters
Apart from being the natural next step in meter technology, upgrading to a smart meter comes with a range of benefits for your business. Smart meters work by sending meter readings using technology similar to a mobile phone. That means you won’t have to submit your monthly meter readings anymore and you’ll receive accurate bills.
Managing your energy also becomes easier – real-time energy data and past consumption information gives you greater insight and control, and you’ll find your new supplier can connect to your meter quicker with an up to date smart device. If you’re an existing customer, we’ll install your smart meter at no cost to you and do everything we can to make the changeover as smooth as possible – your smart meter installation engineer will make sure your heating and hot water continues to work as it does now.
Giving you control over your business energy usage
After you have upgraded to a SMART meter as a British Gas business customer you could also benefit from our free energy management platform, Energy360™ DataView. Our platform collects and analyses your business energy usage, providing daily data to help you manage your energy consumption.
