British Gas has issued a warning to 12,000 energy customers as they risk their bills potentially skyrocketing – or their supply being cut off.
The energy supplier issued the warning to its customers who were still using a Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter. These electricity meters rely on the RTS service to set the rate of energy.
This service charges them cheaper rates depending on the time of day. The devices, such as Economy 7 and other multi-rate energy tariffs, pick up the different energy rates through the RTS signal – this is broadcast alongside the long-wave channel for BBC Radio 4.
Some RTS electricity meters can also automatically turn heating and hot water systems on and off during certain hours. However, the service is being turned off on June 30, 2025.
This means households with these meters will need to act or risk being disconnected, as the meter will no longer function as intended. Energy suppliers across the board have warned customers of the upcoming switch off.
British Gas previously managed around 61,000 RTS meters, however, in an update shared with the Sun, it says around 12,000 still need to be replaced.
If you are still using an RTS meter after the deadline, it could be left jammed on peak time electricity rates depending on when the RTS signal dies. This could lead to huge bill hikes for households affected by the switch-off.
Households with heating systems controlled by RTS could also risk having their supply switched on or off permanently. However, suppliers must ensure their service is not disrupted under Ofgem’s plans.
A British Gas spokesperson said: “It’s important that customers with an RTS meter have it exchanged as soon as possible to ensure their heating and hot water continues to work properly after the Radio Teleswitch Service is switched off.
“Many customers have already been in touch and have avoided any issues, but we’re urging those who haven’t to arrange their free appointment for one of our engineers to visit.”
Plans for a switch-off have been in the works for years; however, they have been frequently pushed back in order to keep RTS energy meters working, with energy firms footing the bill for the service.
Ofgem was forced to step in last year as suppliers had initially been slow at switching people over. At the time Ofgem published its plan, it said the rate at which people were being moved over previously meant it would take until 2028 before all RTS meters were upgraded.
Households with RTS meters are being advised to have a smart meter installed to replace it. Customers who don’t want to upgrade to a smart meter, or are living in an area where smart meter signals do not work will need to speak to their supplier who will explain what other options are available.
According to the most recent statistics from Ofgem, 415,000 meters across the industry still require replacement. Octopus Energy confirmed last week that around 20,000 of its customers still needed to schedule an appointment to have the meter replaced.
Earlier this year, E.ON Next said it had 65,000 customers needing to switch, while EDF had around 60,000.
In a previous statement on the issue, an Ofgem spokesperson said: “We expect suppliers to consider a range of innovative solutions to ensure their RTS customers get on to a metering and tariff arrangement appropriate for them.
“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 – however, customers should speak to their supplier to understand the options that are available.”
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