The end of Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters in Great Britain is swiftly approaching, as the technology that supports RTS will be turned off on 30th June 2025. RTS meters rely on a specific radio frequency to work – without this technology, they will stop functioning properly and will no longer be fit for purpose. 

Lead times to upgrade your RTS meter can sometimes be longer than expected, so it’s important that you begin the process of upgrading your meter as soon as possible, to avoid being caught out and causing potential impacts to your electricity bill. Here, we explain everything you need to consider, from how to identify an RTS meter, what this change could mean for your business, and the benefits that come with upgrading to a smart meter. 

You might have an RTS meter if you heat your business premises using electricity, if you have electric storage and water heaters, or if the price of your electricity varies by the time of day. If you’re not sure whether you have an RTS meter, there is a way that you can check. On an RTS meter, there should be a ‘Radio Teleswitch Service’ label on either your meter or a separate black box next to your meter. 

You can learn more and find examples of this on the Citizens Advice website, here, or contact your electricity supplier to confirm. 

If you have an RTS meter, choosing not to upgrade to a smart meter doesn’t only mean that you will be unable to use your meter – it can also have the following implications:   

• Your heating and hot water may be left continuously on or off.   
• Your electric storage heaters may charge at the wrong time of day.  
• Your supplier may be unable confirm your electricity usage during peak or off-peak times.   
• You may also have a more limited choice of electricity supply contracts.  

All of these factors could lead to significantly higher bills. 

If your business has an RTS meter, you will need to upgrade to a smart meter to avoid these impacts – typically, this will be an Automated Meter Reading (AMR) meter, or if required, a second-generation smart meter (SMETS2). Through automated meter reads, smart meters avoid the need to manually submit meter reads. This also provides more accurate bills, ensuring that you only pay for electricity you use. 

That’s why, here at Bryt Energy, we’re on a mission to get all eligible customers switched on to smart meters. 

It may take longer to upgrade your RTS meter than you think, so it’s crucial that you start the process of upgrading your meter as soon as possible, to avoid any negative implications and start enjoying the benefits of a smart meter. 

If you would like our assistance in making the switch, please get in touch us at heretohelp@brytenergy.co.uk to discuss upgrading your meter. We will also be glad to provide you with further information or arrange an appointment with you to talk through specific details for your business.   

Similarly, if you would like to learn more, you can visit the FAQs page on our website.