UK Households Urged to Act as RTS Meters Face June 2025 Deadline

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UK households relying on outdated Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters are being urged to upgrade to smart meters before the June 30, 2025 deadline, or risk losing access to electricity.

The warning comes as the BBC plans to discontinue the longwave radio signals that power these meters, leaving over 600,000 homes vulnerable to disconnection.

Why RTS Meters Are Becoming Obsolete

RTS meters, introduced in the 1980s, rely on longwave radio signals to manage off-peak electricity tariffs, primarily for heating and hot water systems.

However, with the BBC phasing out this technology, these meters will cease functioning after June 2025.

Affected households could face significant disruptions, including loss of heating and hot water, as well as higher energy costs due to the inability to access off-peak rates.

Octopus Energy’s Response

Octopus Energy, which serves approximately 25% of affected households, is taking proactive measures to assist customers in upgrading to smart meters.

The company has deployed additional engineers to expedite installations and ensure a seamless transition for its customers.

To further incentivize upgrades, Octopus is offering a free Octopus Home Mini, a device that connects to smart meters and provides real-time energy usage insights.John Szymik, CEO of Octopus Energy Services, emphasized the urgency of the situation:

“We urge all affected customers, regardless of their supplier, to book their meter exchange now to avoid losing access to essential services like heating and hot water.”

Benefits of Smart Meters

Switching to a smart meter offers several advantages:

• Real-Time Monitoring: Customers can track their energy usage and costs through connected devices.
• Access to Smart Tariffs: These tariffs provide lower rates during specific periods and even free-energy opportunities when renewable energy is abundant.
• Energy Savings: Over 2 million Octopus customers have collectively saved more than £100 million through smart tariffs.

How to Upgrade

Impacted households are encouraged to contact their energy suppliers immediately to schedule an upgrade. For Octopus Energy customers, bookings can be made through their online accounts.

The company is prioritizing RTS users for installations and aims to complete all upgrades before the deadline.

Failing to act before June 30 could leave households without power and facing higher bills. By upgrading now, customers not only secure uninterrupted service but also gain tools for better energy management in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

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