Radio Teleswitching Service
The Radio Teleswitching Service (RTS) is also known as the BBC's long wave signal. It's the same signal that powers long wave Radio 4, the shipping forecast, and even test cricket.
Some electricity meters also use this signal. It lets them switch between peak and off-peak times, and control your heating and hot water.
The BBC is planning to switch off the signal on 30 June 2025. This change is similar to the shift from terrestrial to digital TV – it's a nationwide upgrade to a new technology.
We’re getting in touch with everyone who has an RTS meter, as it’ll need to be replaced. You’ll find details on how to book a meter replacement in the letter or email we send you.
What happens if I don't replace my meter?
When the RTS signal is turned off, your meter could get stuck on the last schedule it used. This means it'll be out of sync with your tariff's peak and off-peak hours, which could end up costing you more.
You could also be at risk of losing your heating and hot water. We want to avoid this ever happening. So it's really important to get your meter replaced as soon as possible, ahead of the switch off. Once you have your email or letter from us, please use the contact details included to get in touch as soon as you can.
When will the RTS signal be turned off?
The planned switch off date is 30 June 2025.
Why should I change my meter now rather than waiting until closer to the switch off date?
Over 100,000 of our customers have an RTS meter that needs replacing ahead of the switch off. We won’t be able to replace them all in time if everyone waits until the last minute. That’s why we recommend booking now – so you can get your meter changed before the deadline.
Who is affected by this change?
The switch off is happening across the UK. It affects everyone with this type of meter – no matter who supplies your energy.
Which meters are affected?
Atlantic - Comfort Plus
Atlantic Economy 10 (Eastern)
Atlantic - Economy 9 (London)
Atlantic - Heatwise
Atlantic - Supertariff
Atlantic - Warmwise
Economy & Heating Load
Evening and Weekend Flexiheat
Off-Peak A, B, BX, E, F,Fx
RHT A, B
Storage Heating Control (SHC)
Superdeal
Total Heat Total Control (THTC)
White Meter
Winter Warmth
How do I know if I have one of these meters?
We’re currently contacting customers who have a meter that uses the RTS signal. You’ll find information about it in an email or letter from us. If you want to check whether your meter uses an RTS signal, here are some things to look out for:
• There might be a separate switch box near your meter with a Radio Teleswitch label on it.
• Your home is heated using electricity or storage heaters.
• There isn't a gas supply to your area or home. This might be because you live somewhere rural, or in a high-rise flat.
• You get cheaper energy at different times of day. For example, you might be on an Economy 7, Economy 10, or Total Heat Total Control tariff.
What will happen to my off-peak hours when I get a new meter?
There might be a difference of 30 minutes or less to your peak and off-peak hours. For example, if your off-peak hours are 12.15am to 7.15am, they could change to 12.45am to 7.45am. Your off-peak hours usually depend on the area you live in.
Will my off-peak hours change during British Summer Time?
No, they stay the same throughout the year.
What happens to my energy tariff?
We'll do our best to keep you on the same tariff. In some cases though, your tariff will need to change for it to work with the new meter.
If this is the case, it’ll be explained in the email or letter we send you. You’ll be able to choose from a range of tariffs offered to customers in this situation. Please call us to talk it through, using the contact details included in your letter or email.
If your tariff is staying the same, you can book an appointment to change your meter without calling us. You can book one online here. We’re contacting everyone who needs to have their meter replaced. If you haven’t had an email or letter yet, you’ll get one soon.
Will the new meter be a smart meter?
Yes – for 2 main reasons. The RTS service is now old technology and can no longer be maintained.
Smart meters are the alternative, as they have their own communication network that can do the same job as the RTS signal.
Also, we don't install traditional meters any more as manufacturers are no longer making them.
Smart meters have lots of benefits. They can let you see how much energy your home is using, and send automatic meter readings. If you’re on a Pay As You Go meter, you’ll be able to top up online or via the OVO Energy Top-up app from wherever you are.
Find out more about smart meters.
I think I have an RTS meter and you’ve contacted me asking me to call you. What’s the reason for that?
It's likely you have a meter setup at home that needs us to do a little extra planning before replacing it. There's no need to worry, as we'll make sure to have everything sorted ahead of the switch off on 30 June 2025. You might need to change the tariff you’re on, but you’ll be able to choose from a range of options for customers in this situation.
If we’ve been in touch with you to talk about this, please use the contact details we sent you to call us.
I think I have an RTS meter, but you haven’t contacted me. What should I do?
We’re currently getting in touch with everyone who has an RTS meter. If you haven’t got an email or letter yet, you’ll get one soon.
You’ve contacted me about my RTS meter, but in the past I’ve been told I can’t get a smart meter. What should I do?
We’ve been working to make it possible for more people to get smart meters. If we’ve been in touch, it means that we can install one now. Please use the contact details in your email or letter to book an appointment.
In the past I’ve been told I might not be able to connect to a smart meter because of my mobile network coverage. Is this a problem?
We’re contacting customers where we think there’ll be a connection. Don’t worry if we haven’t contacted you yet. If you don’t have a connection, we’re working on a solution, and will be in touch. You might not get all the benefits of having a smart meter, but you’ll still have hot water and heating.
What should I do next?
Once you hear from us, please book your smart meter appointment as soon as possible. As it gets closer to the planned switch off date of 30 June 2025, appointment times will get booked up. We’ll do everything we can to help all customers, but it’s a good idea to book as soon as you can.
If you’ve had an email or letter from us about this, please use the contact details we sent you to call us.
Where can I read more about the RTS switch off?
Citizens Advice, Ofgem, and Energy UK all have more information about the RTS switch off.
OVO is a member of the RTS Taskforce. You can read more about the Taskforce on the Ofgem website here.
The RTS Taskforce is made up of organisations and companies across the energy industry. It includes energy suppliers like OVO, as well as the industry regulator Ofgem, the trade association Energy UK, the nonprofit Smart Energy GB, plus Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), and the Government.
Members of the Taskforce are working together with other key groups, like consumer groups and housing associations, to upgrade all RTS meters in the UK ahead of the switch off in June 2025.
