RTS Meter Switch-Off: Urgent Action Needed for Haywards Heath and Mid Sussex Residents
- Terry Matthews
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
Important Update: UK-Wide Radio Teleswitch Shutdown – June 2025
Residents of Haywards Heath, Ardingly, Burgess Hill, Hassocks, Horsham, Uckfield, and surrounding areas—urgent action may be needed! From 30th June 2025, the UK's Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) for electricity meters will cease operation permanently. This crucial service shutdown affects homeowners throughout Mid Sussex and the entire country.
What is a Radio Teleswitch Meter?
Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters are older, multi-rate electricity meters primarily used for tariffs like Economy 7, Economy 10, or Total Heating Control. These meters automatically switch between peak and off-peak rates, ensuring your electric heating or hot water charges at cheaper, off-peak times.
RTS meters rely on a signal broadcast via BBC Radio 4's longwave network. However, this technology is now obsolete and being phased out.
Are you thinking of upgrading your boiler? We can help, simply enquire here
Why is the RTS System Being Switched Off?
The BBC has announced it will discontinue the longwave broadcast used by RTS meters on 30 June 2025. This means meters using RTS technology will no longer receive signals to switch tariffs automatically, potentially leaving you with higher electricity bills or loss of heating and hot water controls.
Who is Affected by This RTS Meter Shutdown?
If you live in Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Ardingly, Horsham, Hassocks, or Uckfield and:
You rely solely on electric heating (storage heaters, immersion heaters).
You're on a dual-rate electricity tariff (Economy 7, Economy 10, or similar).
You notice a "Radio Teleswitch" box or similar near your electricity meter.
Then you're likely affected and need urgent action.
Important: Gas Meters are NOT Affected
As your trusted local gas engineer at Matthews Plumbing, it's important to highlight clearly: This RTS shutdown only affects electricity meters. Your gas meter or gas appliances will continue to work normally.
However, we’re committed to helping as many Mid Sussex residents as possible with reliable information, hence sharing this crucial electricity-related update.
Consequences of Ignoring the RTS Meter Shutdown
If your RTS meter is not upgraded by 30 June 2025, expect:
Disrupted heating schedules: Heaters and hot water could run at incorrect times or fail entirely.
Higher energy bills: Loss of off-peak rate functionality, forcing you onto higher tariffs.
Potential need for costly, last-minute emergency call-outs.
Homeowners across Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Horsham, and neighbouring areas could face significantly increased energy costs and heating issues by ignoring this critical upgrade.
How to Check if You Have an RTS Meter
Check your meter area for a box labelled "Radio Teleswitch" or similar. Confirm if your meter switches tariffs automatically (day/night rates). For certainty, contact your electricity supplier immediately.
What Should Haywards Heath and Mid Sussex Residents Do Next?
1. Contact Your Electricity Supplier Immediately
All major suppliers (British Gas, EDF, Octopus Energy, Scottish Power, E.ON Next, SSE, OVO Energy) are aware and proactively replacing RTS meters free of charge.
2. Book Your Smart Meter Installation Now
Replacement with a smart meter is completely free. Installation usually takes about an hour with minimal disruption. Don't delay—book early to avoid last-minute rushes in towns like Horsham, Burgess Hill, and Ardingly.
3. Ensure Your Tariff Remains Suitable
Confirm your new smart meter continues providing your off-peak rates clearly and accurately. Most suppliers guarantee equivalent tariff structures, preserving your Economy 7 or Economy 10 benefits.
Advice for Tenants and Landlords in Mid Sussex
Tenants in Haywards Heath, Hassocks, and surrounding villages: you have the right to upgrade your meter. Notify your landlord as a courtesy. Landlords must accommodate meter upgrades to prevent tenant heating disruption.
Beware of Scams!
Reputable suppliers will never charge for RTS meter replacements. Be vigilant—no legitimate provider will request payment or bank details to perform the upgrade.
Exceptions & Special Cases
Rural Mid Sussex Areas: Certain rural locations (e.g., Ardingly, outskirts of Uckfield) might experience delays due to connectivity or technical issues. Your supplier should offer interim solutions or priority installations.
Northern Ireland Customers: Contact NIE Networks or your supplier immediately; different arrangements may apply.
The Benefits of Upgrading to Smart Meters
Beyond ensuring heating and tariff accuracy, smart meters offer:
Real-time energy monitoring—take control of your energy usage.
Accurate, automated billing—no more estimated bills.
Future-proof technology—access to innovative, money-saving tariffs.
Homeowners in Haywards Heath and Mid Sussex stand to benefit significantly from smart meter upgrades, making your energy management simpler and more efficient.
Why Act Now?
With hundreds of thousands of UK homes yet to switch, waiting too long could lead to appointment scarcity, causing potential inconvenience. Act today to avoid unnecessary stress later.
Matthews Plumbing: Your Trusted Gas Engineer in Haywards Heath
While Matthews Plumbing specialises in gas boiler installations, repairs, and servicing across Haywards Heath, Hassocks, Burgess Hill, and surrounding areas, we're passionate about keeping our community informed on wider home energy issues, including this urgent electric meter update.
Need advice on your gas heating? Feel free to reach out anytime.
Helpful Resources and Supplier Links
Octopus Energy Smart Meter Advice
E.ON Next RTS FAQs
Citizens Advice - RTS Meter Information
Conclusion: Don't Delay, Upgrade Today!
Residents in Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Ardingly, Hassocks, Horsham, and Uckfield—your action is essential. Check your meter today, confirm with your supplier, and secure your free smart meter upgrade. Keep your home warm, your bills fair, and stay ahead of the upcoming RTS meter shutdown deadline—30 June 2025.
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