The RTS Shutdown: What It Means for Your Business Energy Supply
In the ever-evolving world of energy infrastructure, one upcoming change may impact thousands of UK businesses, the planned shutdown of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS).
While this development may fly under the radar for many, the implications could be significant, especially for those with older metering setups, time-of-use tariffs or heating systems reliant on teleswitch controls.
At Enexus, we want to ensure all clients are aware of the changes, understand how they may be affected, and know how to prepare to avoid disruption or unnecessary costs.
What Is RTS?
The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) is a legacy technology used across the UK electricity network to switch electrical loads (such as heating, water tanks, or storage heaters) on and off at specific times of day — typically to make use of off-peak energy tariffs such as Economy 7 or Economy 10.
RTS allows suppliers to remotely control these switches via long-range radio signals. It has served both domestic and business customers for decades, providing time-controlled tariffs to optimise energy use and reduce costs.
Why Is RTS Being Switched Off?
The RTS system relies on infrastructure that is now obsolete and costly to maintain. National Grid ESO and the BBC (which operates the radio transmission network) have confirmed that the service will be fully decommissioned by March 31, 2025.
This decision is driven by:
- Ageing technology — the original equipment is now difficult and expensive to support;
- The shift to smart metering — newer smart meters can perform similar functions more efficiently and flexibly;
- The move towards a digital, decarbonised grid — supporting net zero goals and modernised energy control.
Who Will Be Affected?
For Enexus clients, the impact of the RTS shutdown may be felt by businesses that:
✔️ Operate sites with legacy electricity meters (often labelled as “Teleswitch” or “RTS” meters);
✔️ Rely on time-of-use tariffs (e.g. Economy 7 or bespoke off-peak arrangements);
✔️ Use automatic heating, hot water or process systems controlled by RTS signals;
✔️ Have multi-site portfolios including older or unmanned premises where manual switching is impractical.
If your business falls into any of these categories, the RTS shutdown could affect your ability to access off-peak electricity or automate load switching — unless alternative arrangements are made.
Potential Risks for Businesses
- Loss of Tariff Control:
Without RTS signals, time-dependent tariffs may no longer operate correctly, leading to unexpected increases in energy costs. - Disruption to Heating and Processes:
Systems relying on automatic RTS control (such as storage heaters or immersion tanks) may stop switching on or off as required, risking operational inefficiency or customer discomfort. - Non-Compliance with Contracts:
Some energy supply agreements include terms based on RTS-controlled tariffs. Failure to update metering arrangements could breach contract conditions or trigger penalty charges. - Unplanned Maintenance Costs:
If RTS-controlled equipment is not replaced or reprogrammed in time, reactive callouts or urgent replacements may result in unexpected expenditure.
What Should Enexus Clients Do?
To ensure a smooth transition, we recommend all potentially affected clients:
✔️ Review All Sites:
Identify locations and meters currently using RTS technology or teleswitch-controlled tariffs.
✔️ Engage with Enexus:
Our energy experts can audit your metering portfolio to confirm which sites are at risk — and advise on upgrade options.
✔️ Upgrade to Smart Metering:
In most cases, installing smart meters (SMETS2) will replicate or improve upon RTS functionality — providing enhanced control, real-time data and access to modern tariffs.
✔️ Reconfigure Load Control Systems:
Where equipment (like heaters or water tanks) relies on RTS signals, alternative timers or smart controls may need to be fitted.
✔️ Review Energy Contracts:
Some existing supply agreements may need to be updated or renegotiated to reflect the removal of RTS-based tariffs.
How Enexus Can Help
At Enexus, we offer a full RTS Impact Assessment and Transition Support Service, including:
- A detailed portfolio review to identify affected sites;
- Coordination with your energy supplier to arrange smart meter upgrades;
- Guidance on replacing or reconfiguring load control equipment;
- Support with contract renegotiation to ensure you maintain access to cost-effective tariffs;
- Minimisation of disruption, risk and cost throughout the process.
Key Dates to Remember
📅 Now – December 2024:
Time to review metering portfolios and plan upgrades.
📅 January – March 2025:
Implementation of smart metering and control solutions.
📅 31 March 2025:
RTS service permanently switched off.
Don’t Wait — Plan Your RTS Transition Now
With the deadline fast approaching, early action is critical. Delaying could mean rushed or costly upgrades — or worse, disruption to your energy supply and operations.
