Households across the Isle of Wight are being urged to take prompt action as the national phase‑out of Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) electricity meters enters its final stage, with the remaining signal due to be switched off this summer.
RTS – a technology dating back to the 1980s – has long been used to control heating and hot‑water schedules in all‑electric homes and properties on tariffs such as Economy 7, Economy 10 and Total Heat Total Control.
But the equipment behind the system is now outdated and increasingly at risk of failure, prompting a nationwide replacement programme.
Final phase of switch‑off restarts this month
After a pause over the winter months to ensure customers did not lose control of heating during colder weather, the final phase of the switch‑off will restart this month (March).
Groups of customers will have their teleswitch signal withdrawn in stages over the coming months, with a target to complete the entire transition by summer 2026.
Since January 2025 more than 300,000 RTS meters have already been replaced, but as of late January this year, 154,000 RTS meters remained. With only 8,000 appointments booked, that leaves 146,000 installations still to be arranged.
Book replacement appointment
Energy suppliers, alongside consumer groups and Ofgem, are urging households to book their replacement appointments as soon as possible to avoid losing control of heating and hot water when their area’s signal is switched off.
Homes and businesses that do not replace their RTS meter may find that:
- heating or hot water fails to switch on or off correctly;
- storage heaters charge at the wrong time, leading to higher bills;
- tariffs no longer match usage;
- they are charged for energy at peak times without warning.
The replacement itself is free, and suppliers can advise customers about suitable tariffs to match their heating setup.
Smart meter
In most cases, the old meter will be swapped for a smart meter, which provides the same timed‑rate functions along with benefits such as automatic readings and access to a wider range of energy tariffs.
If customers are struggling with energy debt or worried about costs, they are encouraged to speak to their supplier as early as possible. Local energy charity, The Footprint Trust, can also offer support, help and guidance.
Energy suppliers will notify residents when their meter is scheduled for phase‑out but Islanders are urged not to wait. Appointments can be booked directly through supplier websites or customer service lines.
For more information, residents can visit Ofgem’s dedicated RTS webpage.
Update:
Council leader, Phil Jordan, shares this following update.
Last year there were 2,150 RTS meters on the island. Two thirds have been actively dealt with and 750 remain.
Those remaining will have already been contacted numerous times by their supplier.
(There are many reasons why the meters have not been exchanged yet: For example; )
Holiday homes and vacant properties.
Meters which no longer rely on the RTS signal to control the heating/hot water (and so the customer sees no need to act).
Tenanted properties where the resident is unsure how to proceed with a meter exchange.
A general reluctance to engage with supplier (concern about debt, for example, etc).
Article edit
7.15pm 4th Mar 2026 – Update from PJ added
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
