From June 2025, the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) that older day and night meters use will turn off. Anyone with these systems on Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariffs will need a new meter to ensure their heating and hot water continue turning on and off as usual.

Key points for professionals who offer support

Energy suppliers should have notified all affected customers in December 2024. However, some customers may have been missed, so referrers play a crucial role in identifying and supporting the people you work with.

If you’re concerned that someone you support has been missed, here’s some guidance to help them.

How do you identify an older meter?
What if someone has one of these meters?
What if they are no longer on an Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariff?
What if someone doesn’t want a smart meter instead?
What if a smart meter can’t be installed?
Will switching meters cause a difference in energy costs?
Is there a cost to install a new meter?
What if the energy supplier says they can’t switch the meter?

How do you identify an older meter?

This image shows a RTS box, on the right.

To see if someone you support has one, you can ask them if there’s a black box next to their meter. This box should have ‘radio teleswitch’ written on it.

You can also ask if they have received a letter about getting a new meter. If they have, they’ll need to upgrade their meter.

What if they are no longer on an Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariff?

Then there’s no rush. Their meter will continue to function normally and providing all their electricity is on one circuit they shouldn’t see a difference. But CSE recommends people get smart meters to get the added benefits they bring.

What if someone doesn’t want a smart meter instead?

If they don’t want a smart meter that is their choice, and they can ask their energy supplier for a non-smart meter to replace it.

What if a smart meter can’t be installed?

If they can’t get a smart meter due to lack of signal the supplier will usually install a non-communicating smart meter which is preset to switch between tariffs at the right time of day.

Will switching meters cause a difference in energy costs?

Ofgem has told suppliers they should be matching clients as closely as possible with their existing tariff.

Is there a cost to install a new meter?

In most cases there is no cost but on rare occasions if it’s not possible to install a new meter there may be a cost. An example of this could be where there is an asbestos board which the meters are attached to, or where there is no space for a new meter to be added.

It is unclear how these costs will be covered by people who can’t afford to pay for them. If they live in the South Central and South West of England, they can be referred to CSE’s advisors for further help.

What if the energy supplier says they can’t switch the meter?

All energy suppliers should arrange a new meter. In the unlikely event that they refuse, a complaint should be raised with the supplier. If the supplier can’t resolve it after eight weeks, then the case should go to the ombudsman.

For guidance on how to raise complaints, please look at our energy advice page. If someone is unable to raise a complaint themselves, then CSE advisors can help.