Ofgem warning to 600,000 energy customers amid major changes

Around 600,000 energy customers have been warned that they could soon see disruptions. It comes as the industry regulator announced plans to change licence conditions to Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) licencing conditions. RTS energy meters are an older and more traditional style of electricity meter that uses radio signals to switch between peak and off-peak rates.

Initially introduced in the 1980s, Ofgem has now confirmed that these meters will shut down completely in the UK on June 30, 2025. Because of this, around 600,000 customers who still use RTS meters are at risk of losing access to their electricity.

However, Ofgem has clarified that the new licence conditions will help ensure that customers are "treated fairly and have an alternative meter in place following the end of RTS from 30 June 2025." It added, "Consumers who have an RTS meter in their home or business could experience a disruption unless electricity suppliers arrange suitable meters ahead of the shutdown."

It's important to note that after RTS meter support ends, suppliers will be unable to supply electricity to premises that remain to rely on RTS technology. Furthermore, suppliers must ensure that all reasonable steps have been taken to replace RTS meters withing 30 working days of when a consumer switches supplier.

Customers who are concerned about spending more on their electricity once they switch over will also be protected. Ofgem stated that all reasonable steps must be taken to ensure that new tariffs for former RTS customers will not be any more worse off than they were under their previous arrangement.

It is generally quite easy to identify if the electricity meter in your house is RTS. Some meters will have a switch box labelled "Radio