Ofgem warns UK households one type of energy meter is being 'switched off'

Ofgem has issued an "act now" warning to households with a certain type of energy meter. Ofgem, the energy watchdog, has warned that RTS electricity meters will stop working from June next year, when the radio signals that control them are switched off.

Ofgem said: "Do you have an RTS electricity meter? From June next year these will stop working. Your energy supplier will be able to confirm whether you have an RTS electricity meter and book the installation of a new one."

It added: "The radio signal that controls RTS electricity meters is being switched off. If you have an RTS electricity meter it will need to be replaced. If your supplier contacts you, act now." The watchdog warned: "Without the technology to tell RTS meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates, they may no longer work properly, and it may mean that a consumer’s heating and hot water supply stops functioning as normal."

READ MORE UK faces 'horror' 340-mile snow bomb that'll 'explode' over England this weekend

Energy firms will be getting in touch with affected customers to arrange for smart meters to be fitted, Ofgem added. "We expect electricity suppliers to replace all RTS meters before the technology supporting RTS ends in June 2025," it said.

You may have an RTS meter if it switches between peak and off-peak tariff rates or it automatically turns on your heating or hot water or your home is heated using electric or storage heaters or there is no gas supply to your area, including households in rural areas and high-rise flats.

Get in touch with your electricity supplier if you’re still not sure which meter is in your home. A smart meter will give you a similar service to your RTS meter. You’ll also get other benefits, including electricity readings submitted automatically, access to ‘smart meter only’ tariffs, the ability to monitor your energy usage and accurate bills based on the electricity you’ve used, not estimates.